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HISTORY 



^i^f- 



SOCIETY 



Framers of the Constitution 



State of Montana. 



July 4, 1889. August 17, 1889. 



WRITTEN AND ARRANOBD EV 

Member from Beaverhead County, 
Gt.endalk. 




-OFFICERS^ 



President, 
Wm. a. Clark, 

Butte, Montana. 

Vice-President, 
Martin Maginnis, 

Helena, Montana. 

Secretary, 

Henry Knippenberg, 

Glendale, Montana. 

Treasurer, 
ly. H. Hershfield, 

Helena, Montana. 



EXECUTIVE COIVITVIITTEE. 



Wm. a. CIvARk, Chairman. 
H. Knippenberg, Ch.\s. S. Marshall, Martin Maginnis, 

Paris^Gibson, Geo. W. Stapi^eton, J. E. Rickards, 

Alfred Myers. 



^ 



GLE^'DALE, Beayarhead Co., Mont., December 31, 1890. 

To the Members of the Society of the Framers 

of the Constitution of the State of Montana : 

I have the honor and pleasure of presenting you with the 
short history of the Society of the Framers of the Con- 
stitution OF THE State of Montana. 

It is possible that the result of my weak efforts in this di- 
rection may not fully meet your expectations ; if so, rest as- 
sured that I have done the very best I could. The work has 
been no light task, but my high esteem and love for each 
member of the Society has enabled me to persevere in its com- 
pletion, and fully paid me for the labor required. 

Accept for yourself my well wishes for long life, health, 
happiness and prosperity. God bless Montana and her good 
people. 

I remain your friend, 

Henry Knippenberg. 

P. S. — I have given each member a full page, leaving one- 
half blank for future memorandums. 



3-<?7f^ 



Sam Alexander 
Ser. at Arms 



Hammond 

Joyes 



Card well 

J. K. Toole 



Kohrs 



Knowles 

Sargeant 



Witter 
Knippenberg 



Graves 



Warren 



Dyer 



Maginnis 

Hershfleld 



Journal 



Herald 



Independent 



Correspond 'nts 



A. J. Burns 



Joy 



Dixon 



Durfee 



Aiken 



Courtney 



Hartman 

Mitchell 



Schmidt 



Hogan 



Ed. Burns 

Marshall 



WEST. 



Stapleton 

Bullard 



Kennedy 

Mayger 



Reek 



Brazeltoii 



Middleton 

Cooper 



Loud 



Burleigh 



Conrad 



Browne 



Robinson 

Rickards 



Breen 



Gaylord 



Gillette 



Hatch 



Ramsdell 

Bickford 



Haskell 

Goddard 



Myers 



Craven 



Gibson 



Webster 



Collins 

Barberry 



J. R. Toole 

Whitehill 



Marion 



Winston 



Watson 



Hobson 



Rotwitt 

Kanouse 



A. F. Burns 

Cauby 



Luce 



Mulh 



Chessman 

Carpenter 



McAdow 



Stenographer's 
Table 



Wm. H. Todd, 
Chief Clerk. 



Hon. Wm. A. Clark, 

of Silver Bow, 

President. 



vLSVCH 



The Members Located. 



Diagram Showing the Manner in Which the Delegates to the 

Constitutional Convention Were Seated 

While in Session. 



HISTORY 



Society of the Framers of the Constitution 



State; ok ]m:ontana.. 



August 17, 1889, being the last day of the Constitutional Con- 
vention of the State of Montana, Henry Knippenberg, a member 
from Beaverhead county, offered the following resolution : 

Resolved, That the President of this Constitutional Convention is hereby 
requested to appoint a committee of seven (7), the President himself to be 
the chairman of such committee, which shall prepare plans and By-Laws 
by which all the members and employes of this Convention shall form 
a permanent organization, and meet socially at least once a year, so that 
the happy and agreeable relationships here formed may endure, and even 
strengthen, in the years to come. This committee shall be known as the 
" Executive Committee," and shall have full power to elect the proper offi- 
cers for the first year, or until the first annual meeting of the proposed 
organization. 

This resolution was promptly, unanimously, and cordially 
adopted by all the members present. 

The Pi'esident appointed the following as the "Executive Committee," 
in accordance with the above resolution : 

H. Knippenberg, Chas. S. Marshall, Martin Maginnis, 

Paris Gibson, Geo. W. Stapleton, J. E. Rickards, 

Alfred Myers. 



6 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 

December 7, 1889, the author of the resolution, looking toward 
the social organization of the Society, mailed to each member of 
the Convention the following circular letter : 

(social) 
PERMANENT ORGANIZATION 

OF THE MEMBERS OP THE 
CONSTITQTIONAL CONVENTION OF MoXTANA. 

July 4, 1889~Aug. 17, 1889. 

Glendale, Beaverhead Co., Mont., November 7, 1889. 
My Dear Sir: 

Our work having now been adopted by the people of Montana, I enclose 
you herewith a copy of the resolutions adopted by the Convention. The 
President (Hon. Wni. A. Clark) will doubtless sooa call a meeting of the 
"Executive Committee" to perfect a permanent organization. In the 
meantime, at my own expense, I have assumed the responsibility to gather 
such facts as will at least furnish material for the foundation or ground- 
work for this social structure. 

Please promptly fill out the enclosed blank and return to me by mail ; 
such information I will enter into a book, arranged and printed for that 
purpose, which I will give to the organization, With kindest regards, 
I remain your friend, 

H. Knippenberg. 

In addition to this circular letter there was enclosed a printed 
copy of the original resolution, also a slip of special ruled and 
printed paper, requesting each member to fill out the same, giv- 
ing briefly the important events of his life. 

These were promptly filled out, and are now given in full, ex- 
actly as written by each member, the original being in the hands 
of the Secretary on file : 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA 



EDWARD D. AIKEN. 



Town— Butte City. 

County — Silver Bow. 

Business — Foundry man .* 

Polities — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — August 28, 1864. 

Date of Birth— July 6, 1838. 

Town Born — Grafton. 

County — Windham. 

State — Vermont. 

Country — America. 

Nationality — Irish parents. 



HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



PETER BREEN. 



Town — Wickes. 

County — Jefferson. 

Business — Labotrer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — April, 1884, 

Date of Birth— October 5, 1860. 

Town Born — Near Olatha. 

County — Johnson. 

State — Kansas. 

Country — United States of America. 

Nationality — Irish parents. 

I came west to Colorado in the fall of 1881, and since then 
have been employed in mining and smelting in different sections 
in the Rocky Mountains. Yours truly, 

Peter Breen. 



FRAIMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 



ED. BURNS. 



Town — Elliston. 

County — Deer Lodge. 

Business — Merchant. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — August 13, 1884. 

Date of Birth— June 8, 1855. 

Town Born — Rochester. 

State — New York. 

A long and prosperous life to the organization, and to each and 
every member of the Constitutional Convention. 



10 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



WALTER A. BURLEIGH. 



Town— Miles City. 

County — Custer. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Republican . 

Arrived in Montana — July 10, 1879. 

Date of Birth— October 25, 1820. 

Town Born — Waterville. 

County — Kennebec. 

State — Maine. 

Country — United States of America. 

Nationality — American, thank God. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 11 



DAVID G. BROWNE. 



Towu — Fort Benton. 

County — Choteau. 

Business — Government Contractor. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — March, 1878. 

Arrived in America — February, 1876. 

Date of Birth— January 16, 1859. 

Town Born— Miller Hill. 

County — Down. 

Country — Ireland. 

Nationality — Irish. 



12 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



WALTER MANSUR BICKFORD. 



Town — Missoula. 

County — Missoula. 

Business — LaAvyer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — June 17, 

Date of Birth— February 25, 1852. 

Town Born — Newburgh. 

County — Penobscot. 

State — Maine. 

Country — United States, with a big U. 

There is nothing special in my case. Just the common, 
ordinary, e very-day way. Am in with you on the plan of 
organization. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 13 



J. T. BRAZELTON. 



Town — Deer Lodge. 

County — Deer Lodge. 

Business — County Clerk. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — March 3, 1884. 

Date of Birth— May 19, 1858. 

Town Born — New Market. 

County — Jefferson. 

State — Tennesssee. 

Success in the undertaking. 

Brazelton. 



14 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



S. R. BUFORD. 



Town — Virginia City. 

County — Madison. 

Business — Merchant. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — September 5, 1865. 

Date of Birth— March 2, 1846. 

Town Born — Canton. 

County — Lewis. 

State — Missouri. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 15 



WILLIAM MASON BULLARD. 



Town — Pony. 

County — Madison. 

Business — Physician and Surgeon. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — April 11, 1880. 

Date of Birth— April 23, 1853. 

Town Born — Indianapolis. 

County — Marion. 

State — Indiana. 

Country — United States. 

Prior to reaching Montana, was Professor of Chemistry and 
Toxicology in Indiana Medical College ; came to Montana to ac- 
cept position as physician and surgeon to the Alta Montana Co., at 
Wickes ; afterwards, the Helena and liivingston Smelting and 
Refining Co. ; at present, the Pony Gold Mining Co. 



16 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



ANDREW J. BURNS. 



Town — Marysville. 

County — Lewis and Clarke. 

Business — Mining Superintende ut . 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — August 9, 1881. 

Date of Birth— May 5, 1828. 

Town Born — Congress township. 

County — Wayne. 

State — Ohio. 

Nationality — Scotch-Irish. 

My father was a Lieutenant in the 16th Regiment, U. S. In- 
fantry, during the war of 1812. I received a good common school 
education, having for school-mates General Stanley and Wm. B. 
Allison ; followed farming, stock and produce buying in Ohio ; 
went to California in 1860, and have followed mining ever since. 

Yours respectfully, 

A. J. Burns. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 17 



ALEXANDER F. BURNS. 



Town — East Helena. 

County — Lewis and Clarke. 

Business — Farmer. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived in Montana — October 4, 1866. 

Date of Birth— December 7, 1832. 

Town Born — Liberty. 

County — Clay. 

State — Missouri. 



18 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



WALTER COOPER. 



Town — Bozeman. 

County — Gallatin, Montana. 

Business — Mines and Real Estate. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived in Montana — February 9, 1864. 

Date of Birtii— July 4, 1843. 

Town Born — Stirling. 

County — Cayuga. 

State — New York. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 19 



TIMOTHY E. COLLINS. 



Town — Great Falls. 

County — Cascade. 

Business — Banker. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived in Montana — November, 1864. 

Arrived in America — 1850. 

Date of Birth — November 25, 1843. 

County — Cork. 

Country — Ireland. 

Nationality — Irish. 



20 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



WILLIAM ANDREWS CLARK. 



Town — Butte City. 

County — Silver Bow. 

Business — Banker, also mining and reduction of ores. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana, July 3, 1863. 

Date of Birth— January 8, 1839. 

Town Born — Near Connellsville. 

County — Fayette. 

State — Pennsylvania. 

I located first in Beaver Head county, at Colorado Gulch, 
on Horse Prairie Creek, where I mined iu 1863, and also in 
1864. Spring of 1865 I went to Blackfoot, in 1866 to Elk 
Creek, in which places I sold goods. In 1867 and 1868, I had 
a mail contract from Missoula to Walla Walla, and lived most 
of the time at Helena. I was married to Kate L. Stauffer, 
at Connellsville, Pa., on March 17, 1869, and went into the 
wholesale grocery trade at Helena, in that year, with Mr. R. W. 
Donnell. In 1870 we moved to Deer Lodge, and in that year 
we opened a bank there, which continues to-day. I bought 
mines at Butte in 1872, and have been operating here ever 
since. In '77 I opened a bank here which continues to-day. 
Have five children living and two dead. My oldest boy, Charles, 
is now in the '93 class of Yale College. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 21 



CHARLES E. CONRAD. 



Town — Benton. 

County — Choteau. 

Business — Banking and merchandising. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — June 30, 1868. 

Date of Birth— May 20, 1850. 

County — Warren. 

State — Virginia. 



22 HlSrORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



MILTON CAUBY. 



Town — East Helena. 

County — Lewis and Clarke. 

Business — Hotel-keeper and prospector. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — February 5, 1885. 

Date of Birth — January 1, 1838. 

Town Born — Virginia. 

Count — Cass. 

State — Illinois. 

Country — U. S. A. 

Enlisted in army February 3, 1862 ; mustered out March 
13, 1865, Putnam county, Mo. Was elected Clerk Circuit 
Court of said county, 1867, and served in that capacity eight 
years. If you desire further information, write. 

Respectfully, etc., M. Cauby. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 23 



WILLIAM ALLEN CHESSMAN. 



Town — Heleua. 

County — Lewis and Clarke. 

Business — Capitalist. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — April 20, 1865. 

Date of Birth— August 19, 1830. 

Town Born — Weymouth. 

County— Norfolk. 

State — Massachusetts. 

Went to California in 1849 ; followed mining during my res- 
idence there; started for Montana in. March, 1865; am a life 
member of the Society of California Pioneers ; was first elected 
member of the Montana Legislature in 1873; have served in three 
sessions of the House and two of Council since ; was married to 
Miss Penelope V. Newhall, of Galena, Illinois, Feb. 4, 1875; 
have two children living. 



24 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



B. PLATT CARPENTER. 



Town — Helena. 

Couuty — Lewis and Clarke. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — Jan. 5, 1885. 

Date of Birth— May 14, 1837. 

Town Born — Stanford. 

County — Dutchess. 

State — New York. 

Country— U. S. A. 

Nationality — American . 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 25 



ARTHUR J. CRAVEN. 



Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis and Clarke. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — Aug. 7, 1884. 

Date of Birth— Dec. 12, 1857. 

Town Born — Lancaster. 

County — Jefferson. 

State — Indiana. 

Country — U. S. 

Nationality — American. 

Graduated in collegiate department of the State University 
of Iowa with class of 1882. 

Parents removed from Indiana to Iowa when I was very 
young. Raised and educated in Iowa. 



26 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



EDWARD CARDWELL. 



County — Jefferson. 

Business — Stock Growing and Farming. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived in Montana — 1863. 

Arrived in America — 1848. 

Date of Birth— 1832. 

Town Born — Glenavey. 

County — Antrim. 

Country — Ireland. 

Nationality — Ireland. 

Mr. Knippenberg, I should have written you sooner, but I 
have been away from home so much this summer. Your resolu- 
tion was very appropriate, and I am sure our social meetings in 
the years to come will be as happy and agreeable as our days spent 
in the Convention were pleasant and harmonious. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 27 



JAMES E. CALLAWAY. 



TowD — Virginia. 

County — Madison. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Radical Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — March, 1871. 

Date of Birth— July 7, 1835. 

Town Born — In the " Backwoods." 

County — Trigg. 

State — Kentucky. 



28 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



THOMAS F. COURTNEY. 



Town — Butte City. 

County — Silver Bow. 

Business — Grocer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — July 16, 1880. 

Date of Birth— April 4, 1856. 

Town Born — Minersville. 

County — Schuylkill. 

State — Pennsylvania. 

Was educated in the common sch )ols of Schuylkill and Dauphin 
counties, Pa. After coming to the Territory, worked for two 
years in the mines, then engaged in the grocery business. 

A member of the first Legislature of the State of Montana. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 29 



WILLIAM W. DIXON. 



Town— Butte City. 

County — Silver Bow. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — May 15, 1866. 

Date of Birth— June 3, 1838. 

Town Born — Brooklyn. 

State — New York. 

Country — United States. 

Nationality — American. 

Best wishes for success of organization. 



Yours, 

W. W. Dixon. 



30 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



DAVID M. DURFEE. 



Town — Philipsburg. 

County — Deer Lodge. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana— March 12, 1882. 

Date of Birth— July 22, 1855. 

Town Born — Duanesburgh. 

County — Schenectady. 

State— New York. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 31 



WILLIAM DYER. 



Town— Butte. 

County — Silver Bow. 

Business — Miner. 

Politics — Republican . 

Arrived in Montana — March 16, 1878. 

Arrived in America — July 8, 1873. 

Date of Birth— February 28, 1853. 

Town Born — St. Anstell. 

County — Cornwall. 

Country — England . 

Nationality — English. 

Wishing you every success in making a permanent organi- 
zation. From yours. Respectfully, 

Wm. Dyer. 



32 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



GEORGE O. EATON. 



Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis and Clarke. 

Business — Miner. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — May 1882. 

Date of Birth— May 14, 1848. 

Town Born — Warren. 

County — Knox. 

State — Maine. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 33 



WILLIAM T. FIELD. 



Town — Livingston. 

County — Park county. 

Business — Locomotive engineer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — September 22, 1882. 

Date of Birth— August 13, 1859. 

Town Born — Joliet. 

County— Will. 

State — Illinois. 



34 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



WARREN C. GILLETTE. 



Town — Dearborn . 

County — Lewis and Clarke. 

Business — Wool Grower. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — September, 1862. 

Date of Birth— March 10, 1832. 

Town Born — Orleans. 

County — Ontario . 

State — New York. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 35 



FIELDING L. GRAVES. 



Town — Banuack. 

County — Beaver Head. 

Business — Merchant. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — June 22, 1865. 

Date of Birth— July 19, 1833. 

County — Fayette. 

State — Kentuckv. 



36 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



O. F. GODDARD. 



Town — Billings. 

County — Yellowstone. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Republican (black). 

Arrived in Montana— March 16, 1883. 

Date of Birth— January 20, 1853. 

Town Born — Near Troy. 

County — Davis. 

State — Iowa. 

Country — America. 

Nationality — American. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 37 



J. E. GAYLORD. 



Town— Butte. 

County — Silver Bow. 

Business — Mining. 

Politics—" A." 

Arrived in Montana — February 15, 1883. 

Date of Birth — January 14, 1844. 

Town Born — Liberty. 

County — Sullivan. 

State — New York. 

Country — U. S. A. 

Nationality — American. "B." 

"A." Democratic; but I do not call myself a rabid party 
man. I vote, especially in local matters, for those I consider the 
best men in all respects. 

" B." My ancestors were among the first settlers of Connecti- 
cut, in now towns of Waterbury, Bristol, Wallingford and Mid- 
dlebury. Father and mother were born in Connecticut. I call 
myself a Connecticut Yankee. 



38 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



PARIS GIBSON. 



Town— Great Falls. 

County — Cascade. 

Business — Real Estate. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — March, 1879. 

Date of Birth— July 1, 1830. 

Town Born — Brownfield. 

County — Oxford. 

State — Maine. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MCJNTANA. 39 



LEWIS H. HERSHFIELD. 



Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis and Clarke. 

Business — Banker. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — July 1, 1864. 

Date of Birth— August 12, 1837. 

Town Born — Utica. 

County — Oneida. 

State — New York. 

Country — United States. 



40 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



CHAS. S. HARTMAN. 



Town — Bozeman. 

County — Gallatin. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — January, 1882. 

Date of Birth— March 1, 1861. 

Town Born — Monticello. 

County — White. 

State — Indiana. 



KRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 41 



HENRI J. HASKELL. 



Town — Glendive. 

County — Dawson. 

Business — Attorney at Law. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — June 24, 1882. 

Date of Birth— July 20, 1843. 

Town Born — Palmyra. 

County — Somerset. 

State — Maine. 

Country— U. S. 

Never knew of any except after adjournment. 



42 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



LUKE D. HATCH. 



Town — Stevens ville. 

County — Missoula. 

Business — Post Master and Miner. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived in Montana — June 20, 1876. 

Had been in the Territory before. 

Date of Birth— October 3, 1844. 

* 

Town Born — Mason Township. 
County — Cass. 
State — Michigan. 

Served four years in the army, during late civil war, have four 
honorable wounds to show for the same ; and I wish success to the 
permanent organization of the members of the late Constitutional 
Convention, and may the work enacted by them and adopted 
by the people ever be their pride and guide. 



KRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 43 



JOSEPH HOGAN. 



Town — Walkerville. 

County — Silver Bow. 

Business — Miner. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — June 20, 1883. 

Date of Birth— November 24, 1862. 

Town Born— Sweet Chalybeate Springs. 

County — Alleghany. 

State — Virginia. 

Country — America. 

Nationality — Irish parents. 



44 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THK 



S. S. HOBSON. 



Town — Utica. 

County — Fergus. 

Business — Stock Grower. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — March, 1880. 

Date of Birth— April 29, 1889. 

Town Born — Buxton. 

County — York. 

State — Maine. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, ' STATE OF MONTANA. 45 



ROBT. E. HAMMOND. 



Town — Elkhorn. 

County — Jefferson. 

Business — School Teacher. . 

Politics — Republican . 

Arrived in Montana — July 1, 1887. 

Date of Birth— September 17, 1859. 

Town Born — Ashland. 

County — Greenup. 

State — Kentucky. 



46 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



RICHARD OWEN HICKMAN, 



Town — Virginia City. 

County — Madison. 

Business — Merchant and Miner. 

Politics — Republican . 

Arrived in Montana — July 7, 1864. 

Date of Birth— November 1, 1831. 

Town Born — Shelbyville. 

County — Shelby. 

State — Kentucky. 

Country— U. S. A. 

October 2, 1889, elected State Treasurer, and removed to 
Helena, Mont., November 17, 1889; residence. No. 527 North 
Rodney street. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 47 



ALLAN R. JOY. 



Town — Livingston. 

County — Park. 

Business — Attorney at Law. 

Politics — Republican . 

Arrived in Montana — June 10, 1883. 

Date of Birth— June 15, 1857. 

Town Born — Ellsworth. 

County — Hancock. 

State — Maine. 

Nationality — Full-blooded Yankee. 



48 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



THOMAS JOYES. 



To^vn — Bowlder. 

County — Jefferson. 

Business — Lawyer, 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — Helena, June 3, 1885. 

Date of Birth— February 14, 1858. 

Town Born — Louisville. 

County — Jefferson. 

State — Kentucky. 

Country — United States of America. 

Nationality — American. 

Keceived early education in Louisville, Ky. ; graduated at 
Hampden Sidney College, Va., 1877 ; studied law at University of 
Va., 1878-79, and graduated with first honor at Louisville Law 
School in 1881 ; practiced law in Louisville till removal to Helena; 
moved to Boulder, fall 1886 ; elected County Atty. Jeff'. Co. in 
1886; served two years ; renominated in 1888; defeated; elected 
from 11th Dist., 1889, to Cons. Convention; nominated 1889 for 
Judge 5th Jud. Dist. by Democratic convention, and defeated by 
T. J. Galbraith. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 49 



CONRAD KOHRS. 



Town — Deer Lodge. 

County — Deer Lodge. 

Business — Farmer and Stock Grower. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — July, 1862. 

Arrived in America — 1852. 

Date of Birth— August 5, 1835. 

Town Born — Wevelsfeth. 

County — Wilster March. 

State — Holstein. 

Country — Then Denmark now Prussia. 

Nationality — Germany. 



50 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



HIR/VM KNOWLES. 



Town — Butte City. 

County — Silver Bow. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Republican . 

Arrived in Montana — June 1, 1866. 

Became a permanent resident August 15, 1868. 

Date of Birth— January 18, 1834. 

Town Born — Hampden. 

County — Penobscot. 

State — Maine. 

Nationality — American. 



KRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 51 



WILLIAM J. KENNEDY. 



Town — Victor. 

County — Missoula. 

Business — Clerk Supreme Court. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana— April 30, 1880. 

Arrived in America — June 12, 1879. 

Date of Birth— April 11, 1851. 

Town Born — Bowmanville. 

County — Durham. 

Country — Canada. 

Nationality — Canadian, Irish and Scotch. 

My occupation as printed in the list of members furnished by 
the " Helena Journal " last July was that of a farmer, of which I 
am justly proud. My present occupation. Clerk of Supreme 
Court, is the one that I have inserted, as you will see above. It 
makes no difference to me which I am credited with, as I believe 
either is honorable. 



52 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



HENRY KNIPPENBERG. 



Town — Glendale. 

County — Beaverhead. 

Business — Mining and Banking. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — April 3, 1881. 

Arrived in America — 1849. 

Date of Birth— December 27, 1843. 

Town Born — Hamm, near city of Worms. 

County — Hesse Darmstadt. 

State — Germany. 

Nationality — German. 

I was left an orphan when ten years of age. In my youth I 
had neither money nor time to go to school, but had to struggle for 
a living. Two things I have sought after — 

1st. To know and pay my full obligation to God. 

2nd. To know and do my full duty to man. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 53 



J. E. KANOUSE. 



Town — Townsend. 

County — Meagher. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — August 6, 1886. 

Date of Birth — December 18, 1845. 

Town Born — Woodstock. 

State — New Jersey. 

Country — U. S. 

Nationality — American. 

Served 3 yrs. in 11th Ills. Cav. Vols., AVar of the Kebel- 
lion, under Robt. G. Ingersoll. 



54 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



LLEWELLYN AUGUSTUS LUCE. 

Town — Bozeman . 

County — Gallatin. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived in Montana— March 29, 1882. 

Date of Birth— November 11, 1837. 

Town Born — Readfield. 

County — Kennebec. 

State— Of Maine. 

First came to Montana from Washington, D. C, in August, 
1881, as chairman of a commission 'to treat with the Crow 
Indians for the right of way for the Northern Pac. R. R. Co., 
and became so well pleased with the country that, on returning 
to Washington, I made immediate preparations to settle in Mon- 
tana, which I consider the most favored country, socially, politi- 
cally and naturally on earth. 



KRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION. STATE OF MONTANA. 55 



CHARLES H. LOUD. 



Town— Miles City. 

County — Custer. 

Businesss — Stock Growing. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — January 28, 1880. 

Date of Birth— November 20, 1858. 

Town Born — Weymouth. 

County — Norfolk. 

State — Massachusetts. 

Country — U. S. 



56 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



WM. MUTH. 



Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis and Clarke. 

Business — Real Estate. 

Politics — Democrat, 

Arrived in Montana — December 3, 1873. 

Date of Birth— October 2, 1851. 

Town Born — Wheeling. 

County — Ohio. 

State — Virginia. 

Never had any adventure until I "paired" in the Con- 
f^titutional Convention. 



KRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 



SAMUEL L. MITCHELL. 



Town — Choteau. 

County — Choteau. 

Business — Stock Kaiser. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — April 1, 1865. 

Arrived in America — February 5, 1852. 

Date of Birth— July 10, 1842. 

Town Born — Coleraine. 

County — Derry. 

Country — Ireland. 

Nationality — Irish. 



58 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



CHAS. S. MARSHALL. 



Town — Missoula. 

County — Missoula. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — May 15, 1888. 

Date of Birth— January 19, 1821. 

Town Born — Paris. 

County — Bourbon. 

State — Kentucky. 

Country — United States of America. 

Nationality — Native born American. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 59 



WILLIAM MAYGER. 



Town — Marysville. 
County — Lewis and Clarkfe. 
Business — Mining Superintendent. 
Politics — Democrat. 
Arrived in Montana — June, 1864. 
Date of Birth— November 24, 1842. 
Town Born — St. Louis. 
State — Missouri. 

Took passage on steamboat Yellowstone, from St. Louis, April 
16, 1864, bound for Virginia City, Idaho, via Fort Benton; 
landed on Silver Creek, Montana, July 17, 1864; commenced 
mining, and have since followed that occupation. 



60 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



ALFRED MYERS. 



Town — Billings. 

County — Yellowstone. 

Business — Stock Grower. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — September 2, 1866. 

Date of Birth— January 10, 1840. 

Town Born — Macomb. 

County — McDonough. 

State — Illinois. 

Country — America. 

Nationality — American. 

Friend Knippenberg — A trifle late, but hope I am not shut out. 
Long live the Constitution of the State of Montana. 

Myers. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 61 



C. R. MIDDLETON. 



Town — Miles City. 

County — Custer. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived in Montana — July 4, 1884. 

Date of Birth — January 31, 1853. 

Town Born — A'fton. 

County — Washington. 

State — Minnesota. 

Nationality — Parents, Scotch-Irish. 



62 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



JOSEPH E. MARION. 



Town — Freuchtown. 

County — Missoula. 

Business — Merchant. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — June, 1861. 

Arrived in St. Louis — September, 1860. 

Date of Birth— June 1, 1842. 

Town Born — Contrecveur. 

County — Verchires. 

State — Province of Quebec. 

Country — Canada. 

Nationality — French. 

Weeks may pass, and years may end, yet you will find me a 
friend. Shake ! 

Marion. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 63 



MARTIN MAGINNIS. 



Towu — Helena. 

CouDty — Lewis and Clarke. 

Business — Mining. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — August, 1866. 

Date of Birth— October 27, 1841. 

Town Born — Walworth. 

County — Wayne. 

State — New York. ■ 

Nationality — Of Irish descent. 

Educated at Hamline University ; served in Union Army four 
and one-half years ; in Congress twelve years ; founded the Rocky 
Mountain Gazette. 



64 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



PERRY W. McADOW. 



Town — Maiden. 

County — Fergus. 

Business — Quartz Mining. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived in Montana — July 10, 1861. 

Date of Birth— July 28, 1838. 

Town Born — Maysville. 

County — Mason. 

State — Kentucky. 

When I arrived in this country it was then known as Wash- 
ington ; the next year Idaho was formed, and afterwards, Montana. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 65 



WM. PARBERRY. 



Town — White Sulphur Springs. 

County — Meagher. 

Business — Physician. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — August 7, 1865. 

Date of Birth— March 12, 1833. 

County — Bourbon. 

State — Kentucky. 

Country— U. S. 

Nationality — Scotch descent. 

Was married in 1872 to Miss Matilda Hampton, of Leighton, 
Alabama ; have no children. 



^6 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



JOHN CLARK ROBINSON. 



Town — Deer Lodge. 

County — Deer Lodge. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — May, 1866. 

Date of Birth— March 9, 1834. 

Town Born — Near Palmyra. 

County — Marion . 

State — Missouri. 

Country— U. S. A. 

Nationality — American, emphatically. 



FRAMERS OF THE CO ^S IITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 67 



WILLIAM R. RAMSDELL. 



Town — Egan. 

County — Missoula. 

Business — Mercantile and Cattle Raising. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived in Montana — 1881. 

Date of Birth— June 7, 1860. 

Town Born — Mantorville. 

County — Lodge. 

State — Minnesota. 

Nationality — English extraction. 



68 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



LOUIS ROTWITT. 



Towu — White Sulphur Springs. 
County — Meagher. 
Business — Mining. 
Politics — Republican. 
Arrived in Montana— May 31, 1866. 
Arrived in America — April 23, 1857. 
Date of Birth— July 23, 1838. 
Town Born — Hochheim-ou-the-Maiu. 
State — Duchy of Nassau. 
Country — Germany. 
Nationality — German. 

From 1866 to 1879, engaged in merchandising and mining; 
member of the 9th and 10th Legislative Assembly, from Meagher 
county; from 1880 to 1889, County Clerk and Recorder of Mea- 
gher county ; elected to Const. Convention from Meagher county ; 
October 1, 1889, elected Secretary of State of Montana, and resid- 
ing at Helena since October 9, 1889; served in Fremont's body 
guard during the war; member of the Grand Army. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 69 



G. J. REEK. 



Town — Granite. 

County — Deer Lodge. 

Business — School Teacher. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — September, 1887. 

Date of Birth— March 17, 1856. 

Town Born — Linn. 

County ^Walworth. • 

State — Wisconsin. 



70 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



JOHN EZRA RICKARDS. 



Town — Butte City. 

County — Silver Bow. 

Business — Merchant. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — October, 1882. 

Date of Birth— July 23, 1848. 

Town Born — Delaware City. 

County — New Castle. 

State — Delaware. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 71 



FRANCIS E. SARGEANT. 



Town — Butte City. 

County — Silver Bow. 

Business — Mining Secretary. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — August, 1865. 

Date of Birth— August 2, 1841. 

Town Born — Peacham. 

County — Caledonia. 

State — Vermont. 



72 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



GEORGE W. STAPLETON. 



Town— Butte City. 

County — Silver Bow. 

Business — Attorney at Law. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — July, 1862. 

Date of Birth — November 28, ] 834. 

Town Born — Knightstown. 

County — Rush. 

State — Indiana. 

Country — America. 

Nationality — American. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MON'IANA. 73 



LEOPOLD FRED SCHMIDT 



Town — Butte. 

County — Silver Bow. 

Business — Brewer. 

Politics — Independent. 

Arrived in Montana— May 28, 1870. 

Arrived in America — March 11, 1866. 

Date of Birth— January 23, 1846. 

Town Born — Dornasseuheim. 

County — Oberhesseu . 

Country — Germany. 

Nationality — German. 



74 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



JOSEPH K. TOOLE. 



Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis and Clarke. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — May, 1869. 

Date of Birth— May 12, 1851. 

Town Born — Savannah. 

County — Andrew. 

State — Missouri. 

Country — U. S. 

Nationality — American. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 75 



JOHN R. TOOLE. 



Town — Anaconda. 

County — Deer Lodge. 

Business — Mining. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — December 21, 1884. 

Date of Birth— July 3, 1850 

Tom n Born — Weston. 

County — Arroostook. 

State — Maine. 



76 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



CHAS. M. WEBSTER. 



Town — Great Falls. 

County — Cascade. 

Business — Sec'y Great Falls Water Power and 

Towusite Company. 
Politics — Republican. 
Arrived in Montana — April 20, 1886. 
Date of Birth— April 12, 1858. 
Town Born — Zumbrota. 
County — Goodhue. 
State — Minnesota. 
Country — U. S. 

Widower. 



KRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 77 



WILLIAM H. WATSON. 



Town — Lewistown. 

County — Fergus. 

Business — Retired. 

Politics — Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — June 1, 1882. 

Date of Birth— August 31, 1822. 

Town Born — Geneva. 

County — Ontario. 

State — New York. 



78 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



GEORGE B. WINSTON. 



Town — Anacouda. 

County — Deer Lodge. 

Business — Lawyer. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — May 23, 1883. 

Date of Birth— October 9, 1861. 

Town Born — Jefferson City. 

County — Cole county. * 

State — Misso uri . 

Country — America (U. S.). 

Nationality — American. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 79 



CHARLES S. WARREN. 



Town — Butte. 

County — Silver Bow. 

Business — Mining Operator. 

Politics — Stalwart Republican. 

Arrived in Montana — August 20, 1866. 

Date of Birth— November 20, 1847. 

Town Born — Utica. 

County — La Salle. 

State — Illinois. 

Country — United States of America. 

Nationality — American-English. 

Served in the Union Army in the War of the Rebellion, to the 
finish ; drove in a bull team from St. Joe., Mo., to Montana ; 
landed in Virginia City broke, and have held my own since 
coming to Montana ; followed placer mining 1866 to 1873, when 
was elected Sheriff of Deer Lodge Co.; married to Miss Mittie 
Avery, November 15, 1872. 



80 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



HENRY R. WHITEHILL. 



Town — Deer Lodge. 

County — Deer Lodge. 

Business — Attorney at Law. 

Politics — Republican . 

Arrived in Montana — August 15, 1881. 

Date of Birth— March 26, 1838. 

Town Born — Hookstown. 

County — Beaver. 

State — Pennsylvania. 

Country — U. S. 

Nationality — American. 



KRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 81 



AARON C. WITTER. 



Town — Dillon. 

County — Beaverhead. 

Business — Mining. 

Politics — Republican . 

Arrived in Montana — July, 187"). 

Date of Birth— June 13, 1849. 

Town Born — South Bend. 

County — St. Joseph. 

State — Indiana. 

Country — German descent . 



The Committees. 



AS THEV SERVED DURING THE CONVENTION. 



PREAMBLE. 

Bickford, Hatch, 

Whitehill, Buford, 

Hartman. 

BIGHTS OF SUFFRAGE. 



APPORTIONRMBNT. 



Rotwitt, 
McAdow, 



Billiard. 



Burns, E., 
Cardwell, 



LEGISLATURE. 



Toole, J. K. 
Winston, 
Haskell, 
Cardwell, 



Loud, 
Aiken, 
Muth, 
Hickman, 



Marshall. 
EXECUTIVE. 

Maginiiis. Kohrs, 

Witter, Browne, 

Schmidt, Burns, E., 

Carpenter. 



JUDICIARY. 



Dixon, 

Robinson, 

Carpenter. 

Luce, 

Toole, J. K., 

Burleigh, 

Bickford, 



Joj'es. 



Knowles, 

Kanouse, 

Whitehill, 

Calloway, 

Stapleton, 

Middleton, 

Goddard, 



MILITARY. 
Eaton, Maginnis, 

Warren, Hobson, 

Hatch. 

STATE FINANCES. 
Collins, Hershfield, 

Conrad, Gaylord, 

Chessman, Safgeant, 

Marion, Meyers, 

Warren, Mayger, 

Knippenberg. 

EDUCATION.. 

Rickards, Parberry, 

Craven, Maginnis, 

Hammond, Durfee, 

Reek. 

STATE INSTITUTIONS. 



Myers, 
Muth, 
Rickards, 



Gibson. 



Hartman, 
Winston, 
Cauby, 



ORGANIZATIONS. 



Browne, 
Gillette, 
Rotwitt, 



Joy, 

Toole, J. R. 
Dixon, 



Joyes 



CORPORATIONS. 

stapleton, Marshall, 



Burns, A. F. 
McAdow, 



Loud, 
Collins, 



Cooper, 






Brazelton, 


Joy, 






Webster, 


Stapleton. 






Collins, 


Dver, 






Cauby, 


Buford, 






Courtney, 




M- 


itchell. 





MISCELLANEOUS SUBJECTS. 

Hershfield, Parberry, 

Winston, Watson, 

Courtney. 

SCHEDULE. 
Knowles, Luce, 

Mayger, Hickman, 

Kanouse. 

MINING AND MINING RIGHTS. 

Toole, J. R., Gibson, 

Knippenberg, Sargeant, 

Burns, A. J., Gaylord, 

Katoii, Brazelton, 

Hogan. 

AGRICULTURE AMD COMMERCE. 

Khors, Chessman, 

Hobson, Schmidt, 

Gillette, Parberry 

Marion, Conrad, 
Graves. 

REPORTING AND PRINTING. 

Conrad, Middleton, 

Watson, Burns, A. J., 

Bickford. 

PRIVILIGES AND ELECTIONS. 

Haskel, Graves. 

Breen, Dyer, 

Ramsdell. 

ENGROSSMENT AND ENROLLMENT. 

Middleton, Kennedy, 

Courtney, Mitchell, 

Aiken. 

BOUNDARIES AND LANDS. 

Callaway, Gibson, 

Goddard, Kenned\', 

Cooper. 

REVISION AND ADJUSTMENT. 

Warren, Craven, 

Durfee, Ramsdell, 

Webster. 

ORDINANCE. 
Robinson. Burleigh, 



Reek, 
Durfee, 



Hammond. 
LABOR. 



Burns, A. F., 
P'ields, 



Breen, Fields, 

Hogan, Craven, 

Toole, J. R., Bullard, 
Witter. 



Honorary Members. 



The Employes, only, are Honorary Members. 



A.S F-OLLOWS: 



84 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



WM. H. TODD. 



Town — Fort Benton. 

County — Choteau. 

Business — Journal ist . 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — June 15, 1866. 

Date of Birth— January 12, 1843. 

Town Born — Newcastle. 

County — Henry. 

State — Kentucky. 

Married October 19, 1876; one son, 9 years old; removed from 
Kentucky to Missouri when an infant ; was raised near Kansas City, 
at the county seat of Jackson county. Mo. — Independence, Mo. ; en- 
listed at commencement of war, Co. B, 2d Mo. Cavalry, Confed- 
erate service ; surrendered with command, Gen. Sterling Price, 
June 7, 1865, at Shreveport, La. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 85 



SAMUEL ALEXANDER. 



Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis and Clarke. 

Business — Genl. Collector. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — January, 1874. 

Date of Birth— June 2, 1859. 

Town Born — San Francisco. 

County — San Francisco. 

State — California. 

Country — United States. 

Nationality — Hebrew. 



86 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



CHRISTOPHER P. CONNOLLY. 



TowD — Helena. 

County — Lewis and Clarke. 

Business — Attorney at Law. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived in Montana — July 6, 1886. 

Date of Birth— December 23, 1863. 

Town Born — Wappingers Falls. 

County — Dutchess. 

State — New York. 

Country — U. S. America. 



KRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 87 



H. E. CLOWES. 



Town — Fort Benton. 

Business — Minister (Episcopalian). 



88 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



JENNIE MAE MERRIMAN. 



Town — Gallatiu. 

County — Gallatin. 

Born in Montana. 

Date of Birth— October 12, 1868. 

Town Born — Jefterson City. 

County — Jefferson . 

State — Montana. 



A Montanian in every sense. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 89 



WILLIAM LEONARD GREENE. 



Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis and Clarke. 

Business — Clerk. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana— Fall, 1882. 

Date of Birth— March 9, 1857. 

Town Born — Chicago. 

County — Cook. 

State — Illinois. 

Country— U. S. A. 

Nationality — Swedish. 



90 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



EDWARD C. GARRETT. 



Town — Fort Benton. 

County — Choteau. 

Business — Journalist. 

Politics — Democratic. 

Arrived in Montana — Fall of 1877. 

Date of Birth— July 28, 1856. 

County — Lancaster. 

State — Pennsylvania. 

Country— U. S. A. 

Nationality — American. 

Joint Representative, Choteau and Cascade counties, in 16th 
Legislative Assembly, Territory of Montana ; Assistant Clerk 
Constl. Conv., 1889. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 91 



GEORGE H. STANTON. 



Town — Great Falls. 

County — Cascade. 

Business — Surveyor. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — October, 1887. 

Date of Birth— March 27, 1867. 

Town Born — Eminence. 

County — Morgan. 

State — Indiana. 

Country— U. S. A. 

Nationality — Scotch descent. 

Graduate of Central Normal College of Danville, Indiana, 



^2 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THK 



JOHN M. KAY. 



Town — Bozeman . 

County — Gallatin. 

Business — School Teacher. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — June, 1868. 

Date of Birth— May 21, 1867. 

County — Oneida. 

State — Idaho. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 



93 



W. D. ALEXANDER. 



Town. — Bozeman. 

County — Gallatin. 

Business — School Boy. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — September, 1874. 

Date of Birth— October 22, 1873. 

Town Born — Shreveport. 

State — Louisiana. 

Nationality — American. 



94 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



EUGENE DICKERSON. 



Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis and Clarke. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana — September 29, 1888. 

Date of Birth— April 14, 1876. 

Town Born — Indianapolis. 

County — Marion . 

State — Indiana. 

Country — America. 

Nationality — French extraction. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 05 



MAURICE L. LANGHORNE. 



Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis and Clarke. 

Business — Page. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Date of Birth— November 19, 1875. 

Town Born — Bozeman. 

County — Gallatin. 

State — Montana. 



96 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



EDW. KERN. 



Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis and Clark. 

Politics — Republican . 

Arrived in Montana— May 1, 1889. 

Date of Birth— November 13, 1868. 

Town Born — Miami. 

County — Carroll. 

State — Missouri. 



At lona College, Grinnell, Iowa. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 97 



LEE SWORDS. 



Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis and Clarke. 

Business — Journalism. 

Politics — Democrat. 

Arrived in Montana— March 17, 1889. 

Date of Birth — 21 years of age. 

Town Born — Vicksburg. 

County — Warren. 

State — Mississippi. 

Country — United States. 

Nationality — American. 

Was Page in the National House of Representatives during 
the 49th and 50th Congresses ; engaged in newspaper business 
most of life ; was elected clerk in the Constitutional Convention 
of Montana, July 4, 1889; am at present with Helena Journal. 



98 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



CORNELIUS HEDGES, JR. 



Town — Helena. 

County — Lewis and Clarke. 

Business — School Boy. 

Politics — Republican. 

Date of Birth— March 14, 1874. 

Town Born — Helena, Montana. 

Nationality — American. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 99 

Nearly all the members were prompt in responding to the first 
request and only a very few had to be reminded of the work. 
Many very happy letters, full of enthusiastic expressions, were 
received, as the following will show. The original letters are all 
on file. 

Butte City, Mokt., December 17, 1889. 
Hon. H. Knipjfenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

My Dear Sir — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
favor of December 10, concerning organization of permanent members of 
the Constitutional Convention. I can only say the President made no mis- 
take in appointment of this committee. 

1 enclose my pedigree card. Will you please send me a couple of your 
envelopes ; they strike my fancy. With kindest regards, 

I remain, yours truly, 

Charles S. Warben. 

Helena, Mont., December 18, 1889. 
H'. Knippenberg, Esq., Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — I am in receipt of circular letter of the 7th inst., and in com- 
pliance with your request I enclose the information requested. 

Your prompt attention and public spirited action in taking hold of the 
details of the organization deserve the thanks of the members. 

Yours truly, Jos. K. Toole. 



Butte, Mont., December 19, 1889. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — It is with pleasure that I fill out and return the enclosed 
blank. I hope the organization of members of the Constitutional Conven- 
tion may prove to be all that you intend and wished it to be when you in- 
troduced your resolution. Yours truly, 

G. W. Stapleton. 

Helena, Mont., December 19, 1889. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg : 

Dear Sir — Herewith please find blank kindly sent, with proper entries. 
I trust your efforts toward a permanent organization may meet with success 
With kind regards, I am. Yours very truly, 

Wm. Muto. 

Butte, Mont., December 19, 1889. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — I have your circular letter of the 7th ult., which has been 
forwarded to Arizona, and delayed somewhere, I presume. I have been in- 
tending to call the Executive Committee together at Helena, for the pur- 



100 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 

pose of organizing permanently. I return herein the blank filled out, as 
you request. I regard the formation of the proposed society as one of great 
importance, and that will redound to the interest of the members, and that 
will secure for them much pleasure in the future. 

Respectfully yours, W. A. Clark. 



Stevensville, Mont., December 20, 1889. 
Henry Knippenberg : 

Dear Sir and Friend — Your communication with reference to perma- 
nent organization of late members of the Convention received, and with 
pleasure I note the contents. Command me in any manner that I can be- 
ef assistance in furthering the end desired. 

With kindest regards for yourself, I remain, 

Your friend, 

Luke D. Hatch. 

Granite, Mont., December 20, 1889. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont. : 

My Dear Sir — Your favor of the 7th inst. at hand, and in reply permit 
me to say that 1 am pleased to know that you have made a beginning in thi& 
social organization that I think will meet with the hearty approval of every 
member of that Convention. I trust that you and your committee will 
meet with encouragement and assistance, if necessary, until the work is- 
perfected. 

Enclosed you will find blank, as per your request. 

Respectfully yours, 

G. J. Reek. 

Fort Benton, Mont., December 20, 1889. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont. : 

My Dear Sir — Your esteemed favor of the 7th inst. at hand and duly- 
noted. 

I herein enclose blank filled out as requested. 

I wish the organization all possible success, and if I can be of any ser- 
vice in helping the good work along, please command me. 

Yours very truly, 

David G. Browne. 

Lewistown, Mont., December 24, 1889. 
H, Knippenberg, Glen-lale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — Your circular and blank received just after my return from 
a visit to Helena, and I hasten to fill out and return the blank, with data- 
as requested. Hoping that at some time in the future I may have the 
pleasure of meeting you with other friends of the past summer, I remain,. 

Yours very truly, 

W. H. Watson. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 101 

Great Falls, Mont., December 24, 1889. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

r>EAR Sir — Your esteemed favor of the llth was duly received. I en- 
close herewith the information required, and will express my thanks as a 
member of the Constitutional Convention, for the interest you have taken 
in this matter. Yours sincerely, 

Paris Gibson. 



Boulder, Mont., December 25, 1889. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — I enclose blank sent by you; not exactly understanding what 
the blank at first was for, I filled it, as you will see. If not what you desired, 
then it can be cut off. 1 hope the social organization will be perfected, be- 
lieving it will be an agreeable one. 

Very truly yours, 

Thomas Jotes. 



Eg an, Mont., December 28, 1889. 
H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

My Dear Sir — Herewith find enclosed the blank sent me, answered. It 
is to be hoped the successful organization may be carried out. Hoping to 
meet you at some future time and renew our pleasant acquaintance, I am. 

Most sincerely yours, 

W. E. Ramsdell. 



San Jose, Cal., January 4, 1890. 
H. Knippenberg, Esq., Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — Yours of the 24th inst. reached me here. I am pleased that 
you are doing the preliminary work of organization in so effective and 
thorough a manner. 

I will be back in March, when, if I can be of service to you, please com- 
mand me. I do not know of anything to add to your suggestions as to the 
scope of the organization. With kind regards, I am, 

Yours truly, 

T. E. Collins. 



Missoula, Mont., .January 19, 1890. 
H. Knippenberg, Esq.: 

Dear Sir — I hope you will pardon my delay in replying to yours of De- 
cember llth ult. I have no good excuse to offer. It was caused by mere 
neglect. I received your letter while engaged in court and laid it aside and 
forgot it. Enclosed you will find particulars asked for. 

I shall certainly be glad at any time to renew the acquaintanceships I 
formed last summer at Helena. They were without exception pleasant. 



102 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 

Hoping to meet you before a great while in our capacity as members of 
the Executive Committee, to form a permanent organization of the membera 
of the late Constitutional Convention of Montana, I am 

Respectfully your friend, 

C. S. Marshall. 



Helena, Mont., January 22, 1890. 
H. Knippenberg, Olendale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — I received your communication and take this opportunity of 
answering it. Your letter went to Boulder instead of Wickes, and for that 
reason I did not get it before. Hoping you will succeed in the work you 
have mapped out, I remain. 

Yours truly, 

Peter Breen. 



Dearborn, Mont., March 25, 1890. 
Mr. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — Mr. R. 0. Hickman handed me yesterday the blank, which 
I now enclose, filled as you request. I beg pardon for not answering your 
first letter promptly. I found, when filling it up, that I was at sea as to 
whether I was born in Orleans county or town, and, having laid the paper 
aside until I could look into the matter, it slipped my mind. I am, with 
high regard, 

Yours truly, 

W. C. Gillette. 



Deer Lodge, Mont., March 22, 1890. 
Mr. a. Knippenberg, Glendale, Beaverhead County, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — Enclosed you will find the blank filled out. I am glad that 
you have started the work to organize for a meeting of the members of the 
Constitutional Convention. Hoping we may have many pleasant meetings^ 

Yours truly, 
_ Conrad Kohrs. 



Livingston, Mont., March 27, 1890. 
My Dear Knippenberg — I regret that your former correspondence on 
this subject has been overlooked, and I am pleased to forward herewith 
such information as I understand you to request, and I shall be glad to fur- 
nish anything further which you may desire. 

I am highly pleased that you are taking such a lively interest in the 
matter, and I am sure a very satisfactory organization may be formed, and 
I beg to assure you that I shall always, whenever possible, be present at 
the meetings. 

Wishing you unbounded success in your good work, I beg to remain. 

Very respectfully yours, 

Allan R. Joy. ■ 



framers of the constitution, state of montana. 103 

Office of Clerk of Supreme Court, ) 
Helena, Mont. j 

To Hon. H. Knippenberg, Esq., Olendale: 

Dear Sir — You will please find enclosed blank filled out as requested 
by you Hoping that your committee, in your effort to gain the desired 
information, will meet with the success which the merits of the undertaking 
deserves, also that nothing will intervene to retard the progress of our per- 
manent organization, with due appreciation for your efforts in that direc- 
tion, believe me very truly, Yours, 

W. J. Kennedy. 

Fort Benton, Mont., July 9, 1890. 
H. Knippenberg, Esq., Glendale, Mont.: 

My Dear Sir and Frievd — I am scarcely deserving of your continued kind- 
ness in forwarding your kind invitations to join the permanent organization. 
However, better late than never; so I send you the biographical memo- 
randum filled out as you request. 

When your former letter came it found me just entering a siege of " la 
grippe." My wife mislaid it, and the matter escaped my attention until 
July 4th came, when 1 was reminded of it, and commenced a search for the 
papers enclosed, but could not find them I was on the eve of writing you 
when your valued communication arrived this eve. 

1 sincerely trust that Mr. Myers will also be heard from, thus making 
the organization as complete as it was a year ago. 

Hope to have the pleasure of meeting you soon. 

Yours, with much respect, 

Wm. H. Todd. 



Great Falls, Mont., December 30, 1889. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir— Yours of recent date has been received. 1 enclose herewith 
such information as you ask for. Am glad to see this work in progress, and 
hope your resolution will not be overlooked by a single member of our con- 
vention. I shall be glad to render you any assistance that may come within 
my power to help our organization along. 

Very respectfully, 

G. H. Stanton. 

Great Falls, Mont., December 24, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — I enclose blank sent me for filling. I am always justly proud 
to answer to an interrogation as to the place of my nativity, and to have 
been even so faintly identified with the making of Montana's Constitution 
is to myself a source of much pleasure. Hoping that the ties of friendship 
and sociability founded during the Convention may live and flourish for 
years to come, I am. Very respectfully yours, 

Jennie M. Merriman. 



104 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 

Glendale, Mokt., December 20, 1889. 
Hon. W. A. Clark, Buttt, Mont.: 

My Dear Mr. Clark — I hope you will not consider me as assuming any 
authority not belonging to me, in what work I am doing to bring about the 
organization of our Constitutional Convention I have no personal ambition 
in this matter, except to see it a success. The work and expense so far has 
been quite a task in connection with my business duties, but I have done it 
cheerfully. 

I am now writing lo some ten (10) of the leading members (outside of 
the Executive Committee) to get their views and ideas concerning the 
Society, so that when we meet (Executive Committee) we shall not only be 
able to talk over among ourselves, but can have the views of other leading 
members before us, and thus organize strong and co-operative. 

The meeting of our Executive Committee of course is in your hands; 
it may be best not to meet until spring, but do what you think wise. I am 
now liable at any time to go East, but my absence will do no harm. 
Wishing you a happy new year, 

I remain kindly, 

H. Knippenberg 



Butte, Momt., December 22, 1889. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont. : 

Dear Sir — I have your esteemed favor of the 20th, and carefully note 
contents. 

I am glad to see you taking so much interest in the organization of the 
society of the members of the Constitutional Convention. I have talked 
with a number of the members, who seemed anxious to procure the organi- 
zation, and manifested considerable interest in it. 

With the compliments of the season, and wishing you a very happy 
and prosperous year, I remain, 

Respectfully yours, 

W. A. Clark. 

P. S. — I w»uld like [for you to be present when the Executive Com- 
mittee is called together, and if you do not go East soon could you not go 
to Helena next week ? 



The following letter contaius the main points and questions 
asked of ten (10) of the leading members outside of the Execu- 
tive Committee : 

Glendale, Mont., December 24, 1889. 
Hon. J. K. Toole, Governor State of Montana, Helena, Mont. : 

My Dear Sir — In order that our proposed Society of the Constitu- 
tional Convention may be commenced right, and placed upon a high plane 
from its very beginning, I am anxious to obtain the views of some ten 



KRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 105 

of our leading members. I will then be able, at the first meeting of our 
Executive Committee, to make known the general desire and views of our 
membership, of what our Society ought to be and aim for. I hardly thmk 
it necessary for me to assure you that in this matter 1 have no personal am- 
bition to satisfy, save to give my hearty aid, supftort and free labor to make 
the organization one of power and great influence for good, both for the 
present and future, in our grand State. 

Please consider, then, the following crude ideas and let me hear from 
you, adding such other suggestions of your own as may occur to you : 

First. Financially, I would make it inexpensive, not burdensome, but an 
occasion of happiness, social greetings and enjoyment, recreation, and men- 
tal improvement, strengthening the cords of fiiendship and elevating the 
public thought and acts of the common people throughout the State, on all 
public questions, by our example, words and labors. 

Second. There shall enter into our organization no partizan or political 
spirit, but only the spirit of American citizenship, liberty, justice and truth. 

Third. Every year the organization shall have one public meeting, 
either at the capital of the State, or such city as may invite the Society, for 
I think most any city would be pleased to entertain the body for one, two 
or three days. The Executive Committee may, of course, meet as often as 
it may deem necessary. 

Fourth. Every year there shall be selected, either by appointment or 
lot, say five of our members, who shall have assigned to them certain con- 
stitutional topics, who shall carefully write an article on such topic, on 
specified sized paper, and read or deliver same at our reunion, and after being 
read, the same shall be tiled with our Secretary, who shall have them bound 
and so preserved These papers would become most valuable in years to 
come, especially so, coming from the makers of our Constitution 

Fifth. Our By-Laws can be so made, that after we have all passed 
away to answer no more the roll call on earth, that all our records and 
papers shall become the property of the State of Montana, the State and 
the people we all love. 

Pardon me if I have wearied you in writing at such length. 

Accept my well wishes for your administration, and may God bless you 
and direct you in the way of all truth and righteousness ; for this, and this 
only, exalteth a people. 

With kindest regards, I remain, dear sir. 

Yours truly, 

H. Knippenberg. 



Helena, Mont., December 27, 1889. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

My Dear Sir — I am just in receipt of yours of the 24th inst. Your cir- 
cular letter of the 7th inst , after many devious turns, also reached me the 
same mail. I return the blanks herewith duly filled in. 

As, perhaps you will remember, I was unfortunate enough to be absent 
during the closing hours of the Convention. I take this occasion, however, 



106 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 

to state that I am in hearty accord with the spirit of the resolution ofiered 
by you, and adopted by the Convention If the idea can be carried out, 
there is, apart from pleasure involved, much good to be derived from it. 

I therefore write you frankly, and while I may not agree with you in 
some of the details of the organization, I trust that even in case you find my 
ideas are worthless you will believe that "Naught is set down in malice " 

If the organization is to succeed, it must, as you suggest, be inexpensive. 
I should suggest the very smallest limit of annual dues, and then let those 
who are able to attend the yearly meeting pay so much for their plate at the 
banquet which will presumably be had. In other words, it is proper now, 
as ever, that " Those who dance must pay the fiddler." 

Of course your next suggestion is sound, that politics must be barred. 
Once let that question be introduced in whatever guise, and we will be 
"goners." One meeting only should be held each year, preferably at the 
capital, at which there should be a "feed." 

I fear that your aim is too high as to the literary scope of the organiza- 
tion. Our members have brains enough (I trust that goes without saying), 
to carry out your plan under this heading, but I think you will find men 
too indolent — too lazy, if you plea.se, to carry out the idea. At least my ex- 
perience has been disastrous in similar cases. 

My idea in brief is that the simpler, more spontaneous, you make the 
yearly meetings, the more joyous and successful they will be. It is true 
that in this manner we will transmit no records of our doings at these meet- 
ings to posterity, but, then, posterity is most likely to class us as a lot of old 
fossils, anyhow, and not care for anything from us. With best wishes always, 

Very truly yours, 

Geo. O. Eaton. 



Butte, Mont., December 28, 1889. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg : 

My Dear Sir — Your very complimentary communication concerning 
the proposed organization of members of the late Constitutional Convention 
is just received. I have read your letter with great interest, and most 
heartily concur in and approve the plan suggested by ' you As to the 
details and plan of organization, I have nothing at all to suggest. Your 
letter is sufficient evidence for me to know that you are fully capable of 
carrying out the scheme to perfect success without any feeble hints from 
me, and so I am very willing to blindly endorse whatever you may propose 
in regard to the matter. 

Yours with the greatest respect, 

H. B. Whitehill. 



Butte Mont., December 28, 1889. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

My Dear Sir — I am pleased to acknowledge the receipt of a " Christmas 
Carol," in the shape of your valued favor of December 24. I had not given 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 107 

the matter much thought, but your letter opens the flood-gates of thought 
as to what possibilities this organization may lead to. 

I have read and re-read your letter, and as to the suggestions therein 
contained, I can see no chance for improvement, and, if carried out as 
suggested, is sure of success. I, therefore, fully approve of your views, and 
will give the same when the time comes my unqualified approval and 
support. 

However, in this connection I desire to say that if at any time I can be 
of service to you in this matter I am yours to command. With the com- 
pliments of the season, and wishing you many happy returns of a blessed 
Christmas tide, I remain. 

Yours very truly, 

Charles S. Warren. 

San Francisco, January 2, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

My Dear Sir — Yours of the 24th ult., relating to proposed plan of Con- 
stitutional Convention organization, was forwarded to me here. 

I heartily approve all your suggestions, and nothing occurs to me now 
to add to them, except that it might be well to have the articles upon con- 
stitutional topics, referred to in the 4th clause of your letter, include ob- 
servations as to the practical working of some of the provisions in our Con- 
stitution (particularly those that are somewhat of experiments) and also 
recommendations as to amendments, and as to necessary and eflfective legis- 
lation to make certain constitutional provisions operative. 

Your own suggestion is perhaps broad enough to include all these 
points, but I thought it might be well to call your attention to them. 

Your time and labor in the matter will certainly place the organization 
under many obligations to you. 

If I can assist you in any way, 1 shall be glad to do so. 

I expect to return to Montana the latter part of this month. A happy 
new year to you. 

Yours, 

W. W. Dixon. 



BozEMAN, Mont., January 10, 1890. 
Mr. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

My Dear Sir — Your favor of December 24th, regarding proposed organ- 
ization of the Constitutional Convention members into a society has been 
received. I have not had time to give the matter any attention until now, 
hence my delay. It seems to me that your ideas as set forth in your letter 
to me, taken as a whole, are good. They are of course outlines of the policy, 
and would require nothing but action on the part of the proposed organiza- 
tion to put them in force. All of the objects expressed by yourself seem to 
me to be highly commendable, and whenever it rests within my power to be 
instrumental in furthering any of these purposes you may feel free to call 



108 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 

upon me. I have not now the time to go further into the questions sug- 
gested by you inasmuch as Mr. Armstrong is absent, and I myself having 
been absent for the past week. 

I had the pleasure last night of meeting Leopold F. Schmidt and T. F. 
Courtney, of Butte, at Livingston. 

Wishing you every success, I am. 

Very truly yours, 

Chas. S. Hartman. 

Helena, March 25, 1890. 

My Dear Mr. Knippenberg — Am very sorry that my negligence should 
have caused you the trouble of writing to me a second time for the informa- 
tion I should have supplied promptly after the first notice. I trust you will 
pardon my shortcomings this time, and I will endeavor to act promptly 
hereafter. 

I enclose herewith the blank properly filled out, and have added some- 
thing under the head of " Anything Special," which you can make use of, or 
any part of it, or leave it all out, as you please. 1 hardly know what you 
intended should be written under that head. 1 have nothing special to 
offer as to the organization of the Society, but leave it entirely to your own 
sense and to those of the committee who are working with you. I am 
heartily in accord with the movement. I agree with you fully as to the 
usefulness of the organization, and the benefit to its members in many 
ways. I am sure that it will be a great source of pleasure, to say the least, 
for us to meet at least once a year. 

Hoping that you will soon hear from all the members who have not 
reported, 1 remain. 

Very truly yours, 

Wm. a. Chessman. 



Glenpale, Mont., June 26, 1890. 
Hon. W. A. Clark, Butte, Mont. : 

Dear Sib — I have just returned from the East. In regard to our pro- 
posed organization, I am happy to report that every member (but one, Mr. 
Myers) has responded to my circulars and has mailed me statements 
properly filled out. 

As our Chairman, will you now call a meeting of the Executive Com- 
mittee, so we may proceed to form a permanent organization. So far as I 
am concerned, shall be glad to have you name Butte as the meeting place. 
I enclose you a list of the names of the Executive Committee. 

Yours truly, 

H. Knippenberg. 

Butte, Mont., June 30, 1890. 
Mr. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — Your favor of the 2Gth received and contents noted. 1 shall 
be very glad to call a meeting of the Executive Committee together within 



KRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 109 

a few days. I am obliged to go to Jefferson county some time during the 
week, and as the day is indefinite at this writing, I will not fix the time 
until I return. 

I am very glad that you got the data you desired and hope that Mr. 
Myers, the only delinquent, will respond in due time. 

Yours very respectfully, 

W. A. Clark. 

Butte, Mont., July 5, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg , Glendale, Mont : 

Dear Sir — I have the list of the members of the Executive Committee, 
which you have kindly sent me, for which please accept my thanks. 

I will advise you very soon concerning the meeting, which I will call in 
a few days. 

Respectfully yours, 

W. A. Clark. 



The following notice was mailed to each member of the 
Executive Committee by the Chairman : 

Butte, Mont., July 7, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — In pursuance of a resolution which was adopted at the 
meeting of the members of the Constitutional Convention last year, at 
Helena, at which an executive committee was appointed for the purpose of 
forming a permanent organization, 1 beg to inform you that I desire to 
have a meeting of said Executive Committee on Monday evening, the 14th 
inst., at 8 o'clock, at my office in Butte City. 

The following gentlemen comprise the Committee : 

H. Knippenberg, Charles S. Marshall, 

Martin Maginnis, Paris Gibson, 

George W. Stapleton, J. E. Rickards, 

Alfred Myers. 
You are earnestly requested to be present at the meeting at the date 
named. 

Yours very respectfully, 

W. A. Clark, 

Chairman. 

Glendale, Mont., July 10, 1890. 
Hon. W. A. Clark, Chairman, Butte, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — Yours of July 7, 1890, to hand. So far as I can now see, I 
will be present at the meeting Monday, July 14, 1890, 8 p. m., and trust all 
the members of the committee will report. 

Yours truly. 

H. Knippenberg. 



110 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 

Great Falls, Mont., July 10, 1890. 
Hon. W. A. Clark, Butte: 

Dear Sir — Your favor of the 7th has been received. 
I am obliged to leave for St. Paul this evening, and, therefore, can not 
be present at the meeting of the Executive Committee. 

I regret that I am compelled to be absent, but you can be assured I 
shall be heartily in accord with the results of your deliberations. 

Very respectfully yours, 

Paris Gibson. 



July 14, 1890, the Executive Committee met at Butte City, 
Mont., at 8 o'clock p. m., in the private office of Wm. A. Clark. 

There were present Geo. W. Stapleton, Wra. A. Clark and 
Henry Knippenberg. 

After much general and informal conversation, these three 
members concluded to assume the responsibility of perfecting the 
organization, notwithstanding the meeting lacked a quorum. 

Wm. A. Clark was requested to take the chair, and H. Knip- 
penberg to act as Secretary. 

Geo. W. Stapleton then proposed the following plan : 

First. Name. — Society of the Framers of the Constitution of the State 
OF Montana. 

Second. Officers for the year ending November 8, 1890 — 

President — Wm. A. Clark. 

Vice-President — M. Maginnis. 

Secretary — H. Knippenberg. 

Treasurer — L. H. Hershfield. 

This order of permanent organization was unanimously 
adopted, and the organization declared complete. 

The Executive Committee further agreed that the Society 
should hold its first reunion at Helena, Saturday, November 8, 
1890, 12 noon, and hold a banquet in the evening. 

The President and Secretary volunteered to prepare a Constitu- 
tion and By-Laws, and present the same to the Society at its first 
reunion for their adoption. 

A local or home committee was appointed to look after a place 
for meeting, hall, banquet, etc., etc. : 

B. P. Carpenter, Chairman, W. A. Chessman, 
A. J. Craven, J. K. Toole, 

M. Maginnis, L. H. Hershfield, 

Wm. Muth. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. Ill 

Wm. A. Clark volunteered to issue, at his own expense, a cir- 
cular to each member, giving the full proceedings of this first 
meeting. 

The Executive Committee then arranged that at our first 
reunion, three addresses should be delivered, and the manuscripts 
filed by the Secretary of the Society. 

G. W. Stapleton and W. W. Dixon were appointed a com- 
mittee to draw up papers of incorporation, to be signed by the 
Executive Committee as incorporators. 

The Executive Committee, having nothing further, adjourned. 



Glendale, Mont., July 18, 1890. 
Hon. W. A. Clark, Butte, Mont.: 

My Dear Sir — 1 enclose a circular which, perhaps, covers my idea. 
Please compare with yours and take the best of the two. 

1 am sorry that lean not find my Indianapolis paper containing Turpie's 
speech at the unveiling of the Hendricks monument. It may yet be found ; 
if so will mail it to you. 

Yours truly, 

H. Knippenberg. 



Butte, Mont., July 21, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — I have your favor of the 18th, with enclosure as stated, 
for which 1 am much obliged. The memoranda Ihave made is very similar 
to yours. 1 will make up one embracing the main features of both. 

I suppose I had better get a circular letter printed, say 100 copies, and 
send out to each one of the members and employes. 
If you approve of this 1 will attend to it. 

Respectfully yours, 

W A. Clark. 



Butte, Mont., August 3, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — I enclose herein a proof of the form which 1 dictated for 
the circular letter to be sent to the members and employes of the Conven- 
tion, and desire to have your opinion as to its fitness and your suggestions 
as to any changes you would like to have made. 
Please return the form, and oblige. 

Respectfully yours, 

W. A. Clark. 



112 HISTORV OK THE SOCIETY OF THE 

Glendale, Mont., August 5, 1890 
Hon. W. A. Clark, Butte, Mont. : 

Dear Sir — Your kind note of August 3d, just received. The proof of 
circular I herewith return. 1 can suggest no change; it is all right as you 
have it. 

Yours truly, 

H. Knippenberg. 



The following circular letter was mailed to each member of the 
Constitutional Convention by the chairman of the Executive 
Committee. 

Butte, Mont., August 6, 1890 
Dear Sir : — Pursuant to a resolution adopted by the members of the 
Constitutional Convention at the adjournment of that body in 1889, looking 
to the organization of a permanent society of its members, a meeting of the 
Executive Committee then appointed was held at Butte City, July 14, 1890, 
at 8 o'clock, p. M., and the bociety was organized under the name of" Society 
of the Framers of the Constitution of the State of Montana " 

The following officers were elected for the first year ending November 
8, 1890: 

President — W. A Clark, Butte. 
Vice-President — Martin Maginnis, Helena. 
Secretary — H. Knippenberg, Glendale. 
Treasurer — L. H. Hershfield, Helena. 

The first society meeting or reunion will take place at Helena, Mont , 
Saturday, November 8, 1890, at 12 o'clock noon, that day being the anni- 
versary of the admission of the State into the Union. 

A local committee was appointed to make all necessary arrangements. 
This consists of the following members : 

B. P Carpenter, Chairman. A. J. Craven, 

J. K. Toole, Martin Maginnis, 

W. A. Chessman, L. H. Hershfield, 
William Muth. 

The duty of this committee shall be to provide a place or hall for the 
meeting, and also for a subscription dinner to be given on the evening of 
the 8th, and to make such other arrangements as may be deemed expedient. 

It was decided to arrange for the delivery of addresses, or the reading 
of papers upon a few special subjects of interest to the Society at each an- 
nual meeting. The three subjects selected for the first meeting are as fol- 
lows : 

" The Constitutional Convention and Our Society" By W. A. Clark. 

" The Executive" By Joseph K. Toole. 

" The Judiciary " By W. W. Dixon. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 113 

A resolution was adopted authorizing the incorporation of the Society 

and a committee appointed to carry it out, consisting of G. W. Stapleton 

and W. W. Dixon, the present Executive Committee to be the incorporators. 

The Constitution and By-Laws will be submitted to the Society for its 

consideration at the first meeting. 

With fraternal wislies and an earnest desire that you be present at the 
first meeting, 

We remain, very respectfully yours, 

W. A. Clark, President. 
H. Knippenberg, Secretary. 



Glendale, Mont., July 15, 1890. 
Hon. M. Maginnis, Helena, Mont: 

Dear Sir — The Executive Committee of the Constitutional Convention 
met Monday evening, July 14th, and organized " The Society of the 
Framers of the Constitution of the State of Montana." At said meeting 
we elected for the first year the following oflficers : 

President — W. A. Clark, Butte. 
Vice-President — M. Maginnis, Helena. 
Secretary — H. Knippenberg, Glendale. 
Treasurer — L. H. Hershfield, Helena. 

The Society will hold its first reunion at Helena, November 8, 1890, 
noon. 

Your friend, 

H. Knippenberg, 

Secretary. 



Glendale, Mont., July 15, 1890. 
Hon. L. H. Hershfield, Helena, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — The Executive Committee of the Constitutional Convention 
met Monday evening, July 14th, and organized " The Society of the 
Framers of the Constitution of the State of Montana." At said meeting 
we elected for the first year the following officers: 

President — W. A. Clark, Butte. 
Vice-President — M. Maginnis, Helena. 
-Secretary — H. Knippenberg, Glendale. 
Treasurer — L. H. Hershfield, Helena. 

The Society will hold its first reunion at Helena, November 8, 1S90, 
noon. 

Your friend, 

H. Knippenberg, 

Secretary. 



114 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 

Helena, Mont., July 24, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg : 

Dear Sir and Friend — Yours, noticing the organization of the Constitu- 
tional Society, received. I am very much obliged, and will do what I can 
to forward the objects in view. Your friend, 

Martin Maginnis. 



Helena, Mont., July 26, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Secy, Glendale, Mont.: 

My Dear Sir — 1 beg to acknowledge the receipt of your very kind favor, 
informing me of my election as an officer of the " Society of the Framers 
of the Constitution of Montana." 

1 sincerely appreciate the honor conferred, and trust that as long as 
kind Providence in His beneficence grants me life and health to so shape 
my life's conduct towards my never-to-be-forgotten fellow members of Mon- 
tana's Constitutional Convention to merit their appreciation and personal 
esteem. With assurances of my sincere respect for your honored self, 
believe me. Yours truly, 

L. H. Hershfield. 



Glendale, Mont., August 5, 1890. 
Hon. W. W. Dixon, Butte, Mont. : 

My Dear Friend — The Executive Committee of the late Constitutional 
Convention met July 14 and organized the " Society of the Framers of the 
Constitution of the State of Montana." 

All the committee did at their first meeting will soon be made known 
to the members in circular shape by mail. 

We assigned to you the subject, "Our Judiciary." Your address on this 
subject, at our reunion, November 8, 1890, we hope you will write out fully 
on regular size legal cap, as we wish to have these addresses bound and kept 
for years to come. The idea of the committee was that all our annual ad- 
dresses be upon some constitutional point, as we who framed it understood it. 
This idea carried out, will serve, in years to come, when we are dead and 
gone, a good purpose to those living. 

We also appointed Messrs. Dixon and Stapleton a committee to draw 
up the needed papers to incorporate the Society. 

I trust you are enjoying good health. With kindest regards, 
1 remain your friend, 

H. Knippenberg, 

Secretary. 

Glendale, Mont., August 5, 1890. 
Hon. J. K. Toole, Helena, Mont.: 

Mt Dear Friend— On July 14, last, the Executive Committee of the 
late Constitutional Convention met and organized the Society of the Fram- 
ers of the Constitution of the State of Montana. 



KRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 115 

The full proceedings at our first meeting will soon be made known to all 
■our members by printed circular. 

The subject, "The Executive," was assigned to you. Our committee 
wishes that each address be written out in full on regular size legal cap, so 
it can be bound and kept for the living when we framers are dead. 

Of course the idea is that the speaker present such views as he had in 
helping to frame the particular topic assigned to him of the Constitution. 

Our first reunion will take place at Helena, Saturday, November 8, 1890. 

1 trust that this will find you enjoying good health. With kindest re- 
gards, I remain your friend, 

H. Knippenberg, 

Secretary. 

Glendale, Mont., August 5, 1890. 
Hon. B. Piatt Carpenter, Helena, Mont.: 

My Dear Sir — On July 14, last, the Executive Committee of our late 
■Constitutional Convention met and organized the Society of the Framers of 
the Constitution of the State of Montana." 

Our first reunion will take place at Helena, November 8, 1890, noon. 
The committee to look after the local arrangements, viz., hall for meet- 
ing and evening banquet, etc., is as follows : 

B. Piatt Carpenter, Chairman. 
Messrs. Craven, Muth, 

Toole, Maginnis, 

Chessman, Hershfield. 

Trusting this will find you in good health, 1 remain, dear sir. 

Your friend, 

H. Knippenberg, 

Secretary. 

B0TTE City, Mont., August 10, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

My Dear Sir — I am in receipt of yours of the 5th inst., relating to the 
Society of the Framers of the Constitution of Montana. I have also re- 
ceived a circular showing proceedings of the Executive Committee at its late 
session. 1 shall certainly be present at the meeting in Helena, in Novem- 
bir, if possible, and shall endeavor to have something to offer upon the sub- 
ject assigned to me. I suppose that subject, " The Judiciary," would 
appropriately include some accouat of the judiciary article in the Constitu- 
tion ; how it has been found to operate in practice, and, perhaps, suggestions 
as to how it might be improved. Am 1 right in this view of it? As to in- 
corporation, 1 do no not think there is at present any law of the State under 
which such a society can be incorporated, and probably we will have to 
await some legislative action before it can be done. My health is fairly 
^ood. I hope you are well and prospering. 

Yours, 

W. W. Dixon. 



116 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



Helena, Mont., August 7, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenherg, Secretary : 

My Dear Sir — Your favor of the 5th inst. has just been received. I 
observe that you name me as chairman of the local committee on arrange- 
ments for hall and banquet. I am somewhat embarrassed by this, and am 
afraid there is a mistake somewhere, Jfor the reason that I saw in both Butte 
and Helena newspapers that Governor Toole was chairman of the committee 
on arrangements. Was the same notice 'sent to the other members of the 
committee ? 

Sincerely yours, 

B. Platt Carpenter. 



Glendale, Mont., August 8, 1890. 
Hon. B. Platt Carpenter, Helena, Mont.: 

My Dear Friend — Your kind letter of yesterday to hand. You were 
selected as the Chairman of the local or home Committee of Arrangements 
to look after the hall, etc., for our reunion, and all the members will be 
notified by printed circular, shortly, to be mailed by the President and 
Secretary. The circular is in the hands of the printer now. 

Our President expressed himself strongly that you were the best man 
. for this position, and 1 heartily agreed with him. With kindest regards, 

I remain your friend, 

H. Knippenbekg, Secretary. 



Glendai.e, Mont., August 18, 1890. 
Hon. W. W. Dixon, Butte, Mont: 

My Dear Sir — I have your very kind letter, of August 10th. You are 
perfectly correct in your understanding of what the " reunion " expects 
from you on the subject " The Judiciary," assigned to you. The idea is to 
dwell year by year upon the Constitution, its meaning, and improvements 
suggested. Thanking you for your hearty and cordial cooperation, 

I remain your friend, 

H. Knippenbercj. 



Helena, Mont., August 22, 1890. 
Hon. H Knippenherg : 

My Dear Sir — When in doubt, I feel at liberty to call upon you or Pres- 
ident Clark for information. Of course, all members of the late Constitu- 
tional Convention are members of the Society of the Framers of the 
Constitution of Montana. 

i^ow, first, what other persons, if any, are members? and if any other 
persons are members, please be kind enough to furnish me their names 
and addresses. 

Second, are any persons except members to be admitted to the ban- 
quet? and, if any, what are their names? 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 117 

I earnestly desire that this anniversary should be properly celebrated. 
Please do not confine yourself to answering the foregoing {^questions, 
but freely make any suggestions that you deem pertinent. 

Very truly, 

B. Platt Carpenter. 



Glendale, Mont., September 1, 1890. 
Hon. B. Platt Carpenter, Helena, Mont.: 

My Dear Friend — I have been away from home, hence the delay in an- 
swering your very kind letter of August 22. 

I thank you for the deep and earnest interest that you are taking in 
our first reunion, and shall be glad always to hear from you and render you 
all the aid possible. 

Blrst. Only the seventy-five members, and the employes of our Con- 
vention, are to be members of the Society of the Framers of the Constitu- 
tion of Montana. No one else. 

Second. The banquet is only for the members and employes, as stated 
above. 

The President and I talked over the entire question, and are both 
firmly of the opinion that the day " reunion " session should be open and 
the public admitted, but that the banquet should be with closed doors, none 
inside but the members and employes. 

It is possible the Convention itself may change this conclusion at our 
fir.gt anniversary, if so the majority will rule, but a few of us did not feel at 
liberty to open the doors. 

Will you let me know as soon as possible the place or hall where we are 
to meet, a,nd also the hotel where the banquet is to be given, and the hour, 
so that I can incorporate these facts in my notice. 

I have arranged with Mr. Clark to meet him in due time to arrange a 
" toast list" for the banquet, and I will notify the chosen speakers and sub- 
jects. With kind regards, your friend, 

H. Knippenberg, Secretary. 



Helena, Mont., September 3, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg : 

Dear Sir — Your favor of the 1st inst. received. The local committee 
of seven is so lai'ge that it was found impossible, after two attempts, to get 
more than a quorum together. To facilitate action it was finally agreed that 
Messrs. Muth, Hershfield and Chessman should be, and they were, appointed 
a sub-committee to arrange for a hull and banquet. 

Mr. Wm. Muth is chairman of that committee, and seems disposed to 
be active in the matter. 

I assume that this sub-committee will desire to ascertain the wishes of 
the Society. 

It has occurred to me that the Society should meet at 12 m. in the hall 
where the Constitution was framed, and there transact all business. 



118 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



Second. That after the transaction of all proper business, a recess be taken 
until 3 or 4 p. m., at which time the members, and the public also, should 
meet either in the same hall or in the opera house and listen to the ad- 
dresses. 

Jhird. That the members shoiild meet at the banquet at 8 or 9 r. m. 

Please give me your views as to a program for the day, so that the 
committee may arrange accordingly. 1 shall write to President Clark and 
ascertain his views and wishes, as he will be the most prominent actor at 
the meeting. Very truly, 

B. Platt Caepenter. 



Helena, Mont., September 23, 1890. 
Henry Knippenberg, Esq. , Secretary, Glendale, Mont. : 

Dear Sir — Your various favors to B. Platt Carpenter have been by him 
referred to a sub-committee, consisting of Mr. Hershfield, Mr. Chessman 
and myself. Owing to absence from the city, we have not had an oppor- 
tunity until just now to arrange matters. The arrangement is to have the 
members of the Society meet at the court room, the room in which the 
Convention was held, at noon, on November 8. Further exercises will 
probably be held in the opera house. The banquet will undoubtedly be 
had at the Hotel Helena. 

We shall be glad to hear from you at any time with any suggestions you 
have to offer, and we will let you know of any movement that we make. 

Very respectfully, 

William Muth, 
Secretary of Sub- Committee. 



Helena, Mont., October 17, 1890. 
Mr. H. Knippenberg: 

My Dear Sir — The committee will be able to report arrangements made 
for our banquet within the next day or two. We guarantee sixty-five, and 
would like to know as soon as possible just how many will be certain to 
attend. Many more than sixty-five can be accommodated, but it will be 
well to know the positive number. 

Trusting that our reunion may be pleasant and profitable, I am, 

Yours very truly, 

William Muth. 



Helena, IMoNT., October 18, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg : 

My Dear Sir — We have about concluded that the banquet will be held 
at the Helena, and they will furnish everything, including menu. How 
about invitations ? 

As I understand it, you will send all that are needed. If not, lei us 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 119 

know at once. Our idea is to have a menu card that will be a souvenir of 
the occasion. 

If there is anything else we should do, please advise us promptly and 
oblige. Yours very truly, 

William Muth, 
For Executive Committee. 



Glendale, Moxt., October 21, 1890. 
Hon. Wm. Muth, Helena, Mont : 

My Dear Friend — Your very kind letters of the 17th and 18th of 
October reached me last evening. I am glad to have your help. The fact is 
that you can hardly realize the amount of labor this matter has so far cost me. 
So far the Society has had no expense. I have no bill to bring against the 
organization ; I have myself paid everything. I want no money from you 
now, but 1 want the help from your entire committee to "boom " the coming 
gathering. I have written to the Union Pacific, Northern Pacific and Great 
Northern railroads for reduced fare. In this matter you can help me. 

Our first meeting must be made a guarantee for the future meetings. 
This can, in my opinion, be made only by not making the first burdensome 
on our poorer members. The railroad fare and hotel bills to each 
member will be a matter of at least on an average of $15.00 This 
alone will be a tax on some few. To this must now be added the cost of a 
ticket to the banquet. It is true many of our members have railroad 
passes, but, as a rule, these are the very ones that can best afford to pay 
their fare, so that this will not help the very members in whose behalf I am 
referring lo and seeking to protect. In other words, I mean that the rich 
must be willing to sacrifice their ideas and tastes, and meet with the less 
favored, so that the organization shall remain within the reach of the poorest 
member that we have, thus avoiding giving offense, or causing some to stay 
away because of their inability to meet the pecuniary demands. My idea 
in this matter is that the man who can afford to drink wine, when he meets 
with his brethren that can only afford to drink water, had better drink 
water upon that occasion. I am fully aware of the good-hearted people of 
Helena, and their willingness to do, but it was thought best that the banquet 
should be paid by the organization, each plate so much. The menu card I 
place in your hands ; get up something nice, worthy of the occasion. I 
think the toasts after supper should be on the card. My hands have been 
so full that I have not been able to arrange a toast program. This should 
be arranged for five-minute speeches, and the members notified of their 
subjects. May I not ask your whole committee to meet and arrange this 
card and the toasts? If you wish to have my personal approval, submit to 
me the proof. 

In regard to the number that will be present, I am not able to say. All 
have responded to my notice of the formation of the Society. I am now 
mailing my notice of our reunion, and I may be able to let you know later 
how many may be expected. Some, however, may no think of the im- 
portance of notifying me. 



120 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 

Your committee will have no duty to perform about invitations. That 
will be done by the Secretary ; I mean so far as the members are concerned, 
and no others are allowed at the banquet. Your committee, of course, is at 
liberty to invite anybody to be present at our meeting during the day at the 
court house. That will be public and free to all. 

May I not ask you to call a meeting at once of your committee, and 
submit to them my suggestions. Keep me jjosted as to all your plans. 

' Your friend, 

H. Knippenberg, 

Secretary. 

Glendale, Mont., October 21, 1890. 
Hon. Wm. Muth, Helena, Mont.: 

My Dear Friend — I am satisfied that we had better assume the responsi- 
bility and place our meeting upon a business basis. We must not meet and 
find ourselves all at sea. 1 have drawn up a program for you, which please 
consider, and I think your committee had better get out a nice lot of slips or 
cards for the public. Perhaps a small sheet of note paper would be nice. 
The enclosed is simply to give you the matter, not the style or shape. Many 
of these could be placed in the railroad stations over the State. Of course, 
enough must be retained for the court house on the 8th. If you wish to mix 
any music, all right. Make such changes as you think best. Please let me 
hear from you. Your friend, 

H. Knippenberg, 

Secretary. 

Glendale, Mont., October 22, 1890. 
Hon. Wm. 3futh, Helena, Mont.: 

My Dear Friend — If you conclude to publish a lot of programs, as I 
yesterday suggested, I think you had better put on the last page the names 
of all the members. Let the names come by counties. This would be more 
convenient for people to locate the men. 

Understand me, I only suggest these things. I shall be perfectly 
satisfied with the work and result of your committee. 

Your friend, 

H. Knippenberg, 

Secretary. 

The following circular was mailed to each member of the Con- 
vention or Society. There was also enclosed a white silk badge, 
with National Flag and name of Society printed on it : 

Glendale, Mont., Beaverhead Co., October 17, 1890. 
My Dear Friend — Our first annual reunion will take place Saturday, 
November 8, 1890 (noon), at Helena. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 121 

Our first banquet will be enjoyed in the evening of November 8th. 
Members of the Society only will be admitted to the banquet. 

Surely you will not fail to be there, for in being present you will add to 
the happiness of all. Cordially your friend, 

H. Knippenberg, 

Secretary. 

P. S — I have written to the railroads and hope to secure half rates for 
everybody. 



Glendale, Mokt., Monday, October 20, 1890. 
E. V. Maze, U. P. Agent, Butte, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — The Society (members of Constitutional Convention) will cele- 
brate its first reunion, at Helena, November 8. I am of the opinion that, 
with liberal inducements on the part of the railroads, many people in the 
State would go. 

Please consider the matter, and make your special offer known to the 
public in plenty of time. Your friend, , 

H. Knippenberg, 

Secretary. 



Butte, Mont., October 25, 1890. 
Hon H. Knippenberg, Secretary, Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — I have your circular of the 17th, for which, please accept my 
thanks. What is your understanding as to the eligibility of the employes, 
that is to say, chaplain, chief clerk and others, to become members of the 
Society? I suppose, strictly construed, our title would admit only actual 
members. 

I hope we will have a large attendance. 

Respectfully your.s, 

W. A. Clark. 



Glendale, Mont., October 27, 1890. 
Hon. Wm. A. Clark, Butte, Mont.: 

My Dear Sir — Your esteemed favor of October 25, 1890, at hand. 
My opinion regarding the employes, is that they can only be honorary 
members ; they can neither hold office or vote upon any question. The So- 
ciety can only consist of the men chosen by the people for the purpose of 
making the Constitution. 

Am I correct in my position ? And are my views upon this matter in 
accord with yours ? 

1 have written a number of letters to our friend Muth, and I think 
everything will be in good shape November 8. 

Yours truly, 

H. Knippenberg. 



122 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 

Butte, Mont., October 23, 1890. 
Hon. H. Kvippenberg, Glendah, Mont.: 

My Dear Knippenbeeg — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of 
your favor, notifying me of the meeting of the Society of the Framers of the 
Constitution of the State of Montana. Thank you. If it's in the papers I 
vyill be there. Yours very truly, 

Charles S. Warren. 

Bdtte City, Mont., October 23, 1890. 
Friend Knippenberg : 

Your artistically constructed, patriotically decorated, and cordially ex- 
pressed invitation to attend the first annual reunion of the F. C. S. M. is at 
hand. 

I anticipate a most enjoyable time, and shall be there, D. V., without 
fail. Yours sincerely, 

F. E. Sargeant. 

Deer Lodge, Mont., October 26, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg : 

Dear Sir — Your circular letter with Society badge of the Framers of the 
Constitution is received. Many thanks. I shall certainly make a great 
effort to be on hand at Helena for the first annual reunion. My associa- 
tions with and recollections of the members of that body were, and are, so 
very pleasant that I am exceedingly anxious to keep them in remembrance. 

Yours very truly, 

H. R. Whitehill. 

Helena, October 25, 1890. 
Hon. Knippenberg, Secretary, Ghndale, Mont: 

My Dear Mr. Knippenberg — God willing, I shall be present and partici- 
pate in the happy reunion of the members of the Constitutional Convention 
on November 8. 

I can not close this without complimenting -and commending our 
honored Secretary for his great efforts in obtaining prospective good results 
from the organization of the society. With great esteem, am 

Yours truly, 

L. H. Hershfield. 

Helena, Mont., October 25, 18W. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendah, Mont.: 

My Dear Sir — Your invitation to attend the reunion of the Society of 
the Framers of the Constitution received, together with the handsome 
souvenir in the shape of the badge. It will be one of the pleasures of life 
to attend and meet with our friends. 

Thanking you for the remembrance, and hoping to see you ever in the 
best of health, I remain. Very truly yours, 

Lee Swords. 



KRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 123 

Helena, Mokt., October 27, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippe')iberg, Secretary Scciety Framers of Consiiiviion, Glendale: 

Dear Sir — Your favor, with enclosed badge, received, for which please 
accept thanks. I shall be at the banquet (D. V.), and hope if there are any 
speeches or toasts, I may be accorded the privilege of one short effort. You 
will remember how "you fellows" drove me for forty days and forty nights, 
and I think it only the measure of God's retribution that I should be allowed 
the privilege of getting back at you for a few minutes at least. 

Very truly yours, 

C. P. Connolly, 
Stenographer Constitutional Convention. 



Missoula, Mont., October 27, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — Yours of the 18th is at hand and noted. Let me thank you 
for the very beautiful badge sent, and to compliment you on the neat and 
tasty design. It is in every way appropriate, and, I have no doubt, will be 

worn with pride by every member. 

Yours very truly, 

W. M. Bickford. 



Marysville, Mont., October 27, 1890. 

Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — Yours of the 23d received. 1 will be glad to meet once 

more with all the members of the Constitutional Convention, and hope they 

will all be there. 

Yours truly, 

A. J. Burns. 



Helena, Mont., October 27, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Secretary of the Society of the Framers of the Constitution, 

Glendale, Mont.: 

My Dear Mr. Knippenberg — I have to thank you for your kind invita- 
tion to attend the banquet of the " Framers," received last week. 

During the last year it has several times been my pleasant duty to con- 
strue the instrument that the members of your Society gave to the people 
of our State. The application of the rules of constitutional construction is 
one of the most interesting branches of law. Your painstaking labor has 
heretofore relieved the Supreme Court from any serious embarrassment; 
but, I now regret to say that, the Honorable Secretary, in his invitation, has 
presented an instrument for construction which taxes the established rules. 

The invitation contains two clauses — 

1. Members of the Society only will be admitted to the banquet. 

2. An invitation, very cordially expressed, to me to be present. 

The interpretation and construction of these two clauses has caused me 
some unsuccessful effort. 



124 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 

Provisions of the Constitution, in pari materia, must be construed to- 
gether. To construe the two clauses of your invitation together, seems to 
me to arouse an "irrepressible conflict." I am not a member of the Society, 
and therefore am invited to stay at home. Again, I am warmly invited to 
be present. 

The true intent of the franier of the invitation must be sought, is an- 
other rule of construction. That intent may be that I am to attend, and 
stand behind the table, or in the hall, and get nothing to eat. But this con- 
struction falls again by the application of the principle that I may resort to 
established history for light; and, making that excursion into history, I 
find the years of friendship and courtesy from the framer of the invitation, 
toward me. Therefore it is impossible to believe that he intended for me a 
banquet of the imagination, while he partook of the substance of the feast. 

Whether the former or the latter clause shall prevail leads to equal 
difficulties. 

I do not know how to retaliate upon you, unless we form a " Society of 
the Interpreters," and then extend an invitation to you to attend our ban- 
quet, which invitation we will allow you to " frame," and we will " interpret" 
ourselves. In any event, be assured of my continued regards. 

Very truly yours, 

William H. DeWitt. 



Glendale, Mont., October 29, 1890. 
Hon. Wm. H. DeWitt, Helena, Mont.: 

My Dear Friend — Your kind letter of the 27th inst. is to hand ; con- 
tents noted. 

Really, I am delighted even to think that I have been able to dumb- 
found the Supreme Court of Montana, upon a constitutional question. 

But I will not be vain. The question, or rather invitation, I propounded 
to you in my celebrated and cordial circular, is the outgrowth of my early 
education. When I was in the Constitutional Convention, you lawyers told 
us poor laymen, that a constitution was a " prohibitory " instrument. This 
was told me every day ; sometimes all day. So strongly was this impressed 
upon my mind, verily, ever since August 17, 1889, I have felt that I am old 
" Mr. Prohib " myself. 

I plead guilty. I see that my warm friendship and high esteem for a 
limited number of my personal friends in Montana, among which are my 
dear personal friends DeWitt and Blake, has caused me to fall into a very 
sad "prohibitory" mistake. 

There is but one way out of this unheard-of constitutional question, viz.: 
You to accept the cork, and the " prohibitors " empty the bottle. 

Please accept my kindest regards and my well wishes for a long and 
useful life. 

Your sincere friend, 

H. Knippenberg. 



KRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 125 

Butte, Mont , October 27, 1890. 
My Dear Mr. Knippenberg — Your notification of the annual reunion 
Saturday, November 8, has been received. 1 will be present, if possible, and 
I know of nothing now to interfere. Yours truly, 

Martin Maginnis. 



Helena, Mont., October 28, 1890. 
Dear Sir — Your letter of the 23d inst. was received containing the 
badge. I was very pleasantly surprised, as 1 was only one of the extra pages 
in the Convention. 

I am sure 1 shall always be proud of it, and, when I grow older, of the 
happy remembrances of the Constitutional Convention. 

Enclosed you will find stamps for the letters you have so kindly sent to 
me. Again thanking you for your trouble, 1 am. 

Yours truly, 

Cornelius Hedges, Jr, 

Camp in North Moccasin Mts., Mont., October 28, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Secretary/, Etc : 

My Dear Sir — Your reminder of the approaching first annual meeting 
of the Society of the Framers of the Constitution is just received by private 
hand from Lewistown, where 1 have been staying for some time. 

I much regret that 1 shall be unable to be present at the gathering of the 
Association at Helena on the 8th prox., as it would give me great pleasure 
to renew my acquaintance with so many who were associated with me in 
our good work. I expect to go over to Lewistown to vote on the 4th, but 
will be obliged to return here at once. 

With my best wishes for the happiness and welfare of every member of 
the Association, and for yourself personally, I remain. 

Yours very truly, 

W. H. Watson. 



Fort Benton, Mont , October 29, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — Enclosed please find blank filled out as requested by you 
some time ago. I had overlooked the matter until Mr. Todd called my at- 
tention to it to-day. Hoping I am not too late, 1 remain. 

Yours vei-y truly, 

E. C. Garrett. 

Butte, Mont., October 30, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont: 

Dear Sir — 1 have your favor of the 27th, and note contents. I agree 
with you as to the eligibility of employes of the Constitutional Convention 
to membership in our Society. 



126 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 

I have seen recently, in my travels in the State, many members of the 
Convention, and they generally express an intention to be present on the 8th. 

Respectfully yours, 

W. A. Clark. 

Helena, Mont., October 30, 18<»0. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale: 

Dear Sir — Your kind invitation to the first annual banquet and meet- 
ing of the Society at hand. The badge is one of the handsomest and ap- 
propriate that could be designed. I shall surely be on hand, and hope that 
all of the members will. Hoping to see you there well, as the last time we 
all met, I am, very truly, 

Wm. L. Greene. 



Butte, Mont., October 30, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Friend — Your kindly reminder of the reunion, to take place No- 
vember 8, to hand. I have been absent, hence this delay. 

It must be something very important, and more important than I can 
now imagine, that will prevent me from enjoying the meeting, which I look 
forward too with so much pleasure. Your friend, 

Gr. W. Stapleton. 



Helena, Mont., October 30, 1890. 
Dear Sir — I have the honor of acknowledging notice of meeting of 
members of the Constitutional Convention. Thanks. 

I shall take pleasure in attending. Yours truly, 

Maurice Langhorne. 



Helena, Mont., October 30, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

My Dear Sir — I herewith acknowledge receipt of iavitation to -the first 
" Annual Reunion of the Pramers of the Constitution," to take place at 
Helena, on November 8, for which, please accept thanks. 

Very truly yours, 

W. J. Kennedy. 



Choteau, Mont., October 30, 1890. 
H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — Yours of the 221 inst. just received, and, in reply, I will say 
that it will give me much pleasure to meet our friends of the Convention on 
November 8. 1890. 

You will please find enclosed your printed blank form, which I filled 
as requested. 

Very respectfully yours, 

Samuel L. Mitchell. 



FKAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 127 

Indianapolis, Ind., October 31, 1890. 
H. Knippenberg, Esq., Secretary, Etc.: 

Dear Sir and Friend — Your kind invitation to attend the reunion of 
the Society of the Framers of the Constitution of the State of Montana, 
November 8 prox., was received, and is sincerely appreciated. And in ex- 
pressing my regrets at not being able to make the long journey and greet 
you in person with my kind wishes, I may, perhaps, be allowed, though a 
stranger to all of your members but yourself, to offer the following senti- 
ment: 

"Hail to Montana, the Mountain State! May her star grow greater 
and brighter, until its luster equals that of any of her sisters in the galaxy 
of States !" And with my best wishes for your personal health and pros- 
perity, and the success of your reunion, 

I am yours sincerely, 

Charles P. Jacobs. 

Spotted Horse Mine, October 31, 1870. 
H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.': 

Dear Friend — If possible I will certainly be present at our first banquet 
to enjoy the happiness of meeting our friends. With good wishes, etc., I 
am. Your friend, truly, 

P. W. McAdow. 



Shattuck School, Fairbault, Minn., November 2, 1890. 
Mr. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — It is with pleasure that I receive your invitation to the first 
banquet of the Framers of the Constitution of Montana, but I will be com- 
pelled to decline, as it is impossible for me to leave school. 

Yours, W. D. Alexander. 



Stevensville, Mont., November 3, 1890. 
H. Knippenberg, Glendale Mont.: 

Dear Friend — Yours, containing invitation, received, but was delayed on 
the road; therefore the acceptance is accordingly late. No preventing 
Providence, I will be on hand. Hoping you are enjoying the health and the 
blessings you deserve, I remain, Truly yours, 

Luke D. Hatch. 

Butte City, Mont., November 5, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Glendale, Mont.: 

Dear Mr. Knippenberg — Returned from the East day before yesterday 
and found your circular letter, with badge inclosed, awaiting me. If nothing 
occurs to prevent I shall take great pleasure in being present. 
Hoping to see you in a day or two, I am, with respect, 

Yours very truly, 

J. E. Rickards. 



128 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 

Helena, Mont., November 1, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg: 

My Dear Sir — Herewith I send copy of invitation. The program 
will go to-morrow and all invitations will be mailed, including programs, 
to all the members known to me. 

I find that I have not a complete list of all entitled to invitations. I 
think some are omitted in the picture, the only thing I have. Can you send 
me a complete list at once and I will have a card printed with all the names 
on it. 

Are we expected to prepare a toast list? I understood that you would 
do that, but this morning I again read yours of the 22d and am in doubt. 

I am afraid we are a little bit late on this part, but a little spontaneity 
might increase the "snap" of the responses. 

Very respectfully yours, 

Wm. Muth, for Committee. 



Glendale, Mont., November 4, 1890. 
Hon. Wm. Muth, Helena, Mont.: 

My Dear Sir — The programs and invitations received. They are very 
nice, and do great honor to your committee. Will you kindly mail me one- 
half dozen programs. I wish to use them. 

I have received a large number of letters from our members saying that 
they will surely be present. 

I enclose you a correct list of our membership, and the photo, of the 
group will give you the P. O. of each and county. If these are printed, 
please see that no names are wrong in the spelling. 

If your committee has not arranged the toasts, all right. Perhaps it 
would be best to have them off-hand, free for all. I will be over Friday 
evening. 

Your friend, 

H. Knippenberg. 



First Rkunion 



HELENA, MONTANA, 



-Saturday, November 8th, 1S90. 



SOCIETY 



Framers of the Constitution 



State of Montana. 



JULY 4,1889. AUGUST 17,1889, 



EXECUTIVE COK-irvIITTEE. 

>f' 

Wm. a. Clark, Chairman. 
H. Knippenberg. Chas. S. Marshall. 

Martin Maginnis. Paris Gibson. 

Geo. W. Stapleton. J. R. Rickards. 

Alfred Myers. 



Program, 



12 O'CLOCK NOON. 

Society called to order By President. 

Address of Welcome B. P. Carpenter. 

Response W. A. Clark. 

Roll-call and Minutes Read Secretary. 

Report of Treasurer L. H. Hershfield. 

Constitution and By-Laws Adopted. Election of Officers. Standing Com- 
mittees Appointed. General Business. Recess. 



4 O'CLOCK P. M. 

PUBLIC ADDRESSEvS. 

The Constitutional Convention and our Society " Wm. A. Cl-ARK. 

The Executive " J. K. T001.E. 

The Judiciary " W. W. Dixon. 

General and Closing Business. 



9 O'CLOCK P, M. 

Society Banquet at the Hotel "Helena." 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 131 

Deer Lodge, Mont., November 2, 1890. 
Hon. L. H. Hershfield, Banquet Committee and Others : 

Dear Sirs — In response to your request to be present at the first annual 
banquet, etc., I will say that I will be in Helena on the 6th inst., and if 
possible remain over to evening of 8th. Very truly, 

J. C. Robinson. 

[Telegram.] 

Deer Lodge, Mont., November 8, 1890. 
H. Knippenberg, Helena Hotel: 

1 regret exceedingly my utter inability to be present at the reunion. 
Will do better next time. Kindest greeting to all. 

J. F. Brazelton. 

[Telegram.] 

Bozeman, Mont., November 8, 1890. 
Hon. W. A. ClarK, President Society of the Framers of the Constitution of Montana, 
Helena, Mont: 

I regret exceedingly that, owing to the serious illness of my wife, 1 
shall not be able to attend the first reunion of our Society. I assure you 
that the movement has my warmest sympathy and approval, and will have 
my earnest support whenever 1 can be personally present or otherwise assist 
or promote its present and future success. I earnestly hope you will have a 
large attendance and an enjoyable time. 

Walter Cooper. 



Virginia, Mont., November 7, 1890. 
Hon. Henry Knippenberg, Secretary, etc.: 

My Dear Sir — It is with the most intense regret that I am unable to 
join you to-morrow and greet you and others — the Framers of our Constitu- 
tion. It is, indeed, a high honor to have served with such notable and noble 
citizens. I am proud to believe them all to be my friends. I can think of 
no one of them but with the kindliest feelings and sentiments of the warm- 
est friendship. 

Truly your friend, 

J. E. Callaway. 



Elliston, Mont., November 7, 1890. 
Hon. H. Knippenberg, Secretary of Society : 

Dear Sir — I am very sorry that I can not attend our first annual meet- 
ing on the 8th inst. Personal matters over which I have no control pre- 
vent me at this time, but I assure you that I have nothing but kind words 
for our Society, and sincerely hope that the Society may flourish, and that 
we may all be able to meet one year hence. 

Very truly, 

Ed. Burns. 



132 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 

Butte, Mont., November 6, 1890. 
Hon. L. H. Hershfield, Selena, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — I regret that it will be impossible for me to be present at the 
reunion of the Framers of the Constitution in Helena, on the 8th. 

Respectfully, 

J. E Gaylord 

Butte City, Mont., November 6, 1890. 
Messrs. L. H. Hershfield, W. A. Chessman, Wm. Muth, Banquet Committee '■ 

Gentlemen — Your invitation to attend the first annual banquet of the 
Society of the Framers of the Constitution is received. In answer I wish to 
express the pleasure afforded in the opportunity to meet with the entire 
number of that Convention. I certainly will avail myself of the oppor- 
tunity. Respectfully yours, 

Thomas F. Courtney. 

Livingston, Mont., November 6, 1890. 
Hon. L. H. Hershfield, and Others, Helena, Mont.: 

Gentlemen — 1 regret very much that I can not be with the Framers of 
the Constitution at their first reunion on the 8th inst. 

Very respectfully yours, 

Alfred Myers. 

Billings, Mont., November 5, 1890. 
Messrs. L. H. Hershfield, W. A. Chessman and William Muth, Banquet Committee, 
Society of the Framers of the Constitution of Montana, Helena, Mont. : 
Gentlemen — I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your invitation 
to attend the banquet of the Society of the Framers of the Constitution of 
Montana, to be given at the Helena Hotel, on the 8th inst., and beg to say 
that I will be in attendance. 

Yours fraternally, 

0. F. Goddard. 



Fort Benton, Mont., November 5, 1890. 
David G. Browne accepts with much pleasure the invitation extended 
by the Society of the Framers of the Constitution of the State of Montana, 
for their first annual banquet on November 8, 1890. 



Dillon, Mont., November 5, 1890. 
Hon. L. H. Hershfield, Helena : 

My Dear Sir — I hope your banquet will be a complete success and I very 
much regret my inability to be present and participate in the pleasures of 
the day. My best wishes are with all the members present. 

Respectfully yours, 

A. C. Witter. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 133 

Butte City, Mont., Nov. 4, 1890. 
Messrs. L. H. Hershfield, W. A Chessman, Wm. Muth, Committee, Helena, Mont.: 

Gentlemen — Your very kind invitation to the annual banquet of the So- 
ciety of the Framers of the Constitution of Montana, to be held on the <Sth 
inst., at Helena, is received. Should nothing now unforseen occur to prevent, 
I shall be with you. Yours, 

W. W. Dixon. 

Deer Lodge, Mont., November 4, 1890. 
Banquet Committee of the Constitution Framers: 

Gentlemen — I accept with much pleasure the invitation for the banquet 
for November 8, and unless unavoidably detained at home, which I do not 
anticipate at present, will certainly be there. 

Yours very gratefully, 

H. E. Whitehill. 

Dearborn, Mont., November 4, 1890. 
Hon. L. H. Hershfield, Helena, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — I have received the invitation to be present at the " First 
Annual Banquet of the Society of the Framers of the Constitution of Mon- 
tana, at the Helena Hotel." 

You can count on my being present. I am, 

yery respectfully yours, 

W. C. Gillette. 

Bannack, Mont., November 3, 1890. 
Hon. L. H. Hershfield, Helena: 

Dear Sir — I expect to be with you on the 8th. 

Yours truly, 

F. L. Graves. 

Butte City, Mont., November 5, 1890. 
Hon. L. H. Hershfield, Helena, Mont. : 

Dear Sir — I find invitation to first reunion, etc., to be held in your city 
on the 8th, awaiting me upon my return from Boston. I shall take great 
pleasure in being present, nothing occurring to prevent. 

Hastily. Yours truly, 

J. E. RiCKARDS. 

Fort Benton, Mont., November 3, 1890. 
Hons. L. H, Hershfield, Wm. Muth, and Others, Banquet Committee of the Constitu- 
tional Convention of Montana : 

Gentlemen — Acknowledging the honor of your kind invitation to attend 
the banquet November 8, is accepted with great pleasure. 

Yours respectfully, 

Wm. H. Todd. 



134 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 

BozEMAN, Mont., November 3, 1890. 
Messrs. L. H. Hershfield, W. A. Chessman and William Math, Committee, Helena, 
Montana : 

Dear Sirs — I have thehonortoacknowledge the receipt of your invitation 
to the first annual banquet of the Society of the Framers of the Constitution 
of Montana. 

1 regret more than I can tell you that engagements which I can not 
break prevent my being present with my fellow members of that Society. 
I have to leave here to-morrow morning for White Sulphur Springs to at- 
tend court there, and will not be able to get away before the 8th inst. 
I tender my warm and patriotic greetings to the Society. 

Your obedient servant, 

L. A. Luce. 



LiVING.STON, MoNT., , 1890. 

Hon. L. H. Hershfield, Helena: 

Dear Sir — You can count on me being with you next Saturday. Sure! 

Yours, etc., 

Allan R. Jov. 



Helena, Mont., November 3, 1890. 
To the Honorable Banquet Committee, Society of Framers oj the Constitution, Helena, 
Mont.: 

Gentlemen — Your invitation to attend the first reunion of the Society 
of the Framers of the Constitution of the State of Montana is duly received, 
and I assure you, gentlemen, it will be a great pleasure to me to be present 
to again meet the honorable members of the Conventicn. 

Yours truly, 

Sam. Alexander. 



Stevensville, Mont., November 3, 1890. 
William Muth, Hehna, Mont.: 

Dear Sir and Friend — The invitation of your committee, requesting 
my attendance at the banquet, Saturday evening, November 8, 1890, received 
and respectfully accepted. 

Yours truly, 

Luke D. Hatch. 



Butte, Mont., November 3, 1890. 
Hon. Ij. H. Hershfield, Chairman : 

Dear Sir — 1 am pleased to state that I accepted invitation to the 
banquet, and will be present on the 8th inst. 

Yours very truly, 

W. A. Clark. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 



135 



Livingston, Mont., November 3, 1890. 
L. H. Hershjield, Esq.: 

Dear Sir — I am in receipt of invitation to be present at the first annual 
banquet of the Society of the Framers of the Constitution of Montana. I 
shall accept the invitation with pleasure, and shall be present in the city of 
Helena on November 8th to attend the same. 

Yours most truly, 

Wm. T. Field. 



Helena, Mont., November 6, 1890. 
Hon. L. H. Henhfield, Chairman Banquet Committee, Helena, Mont.: 

Dear Sir — Replying to your invitation to same, I beg to say that it will 
give me pleasure to be present at the banquet to be given to the " Society 
of the Framers of the Constitution of Montana " on next Saturday evening. 

Very truly yours, 

Geo. 0. Eaton. 



BozEMAN, Mont., November 6, 1890. 
Hon. L. H. Hershfield, Chairman Banquet Committee, Helena, Mont.: 

Dear Sir— I regret that I will be unable to accept the kind invitation 
of your committee and be present at the banquet November 8, 1890. I leave 
for the East on that day, and hence will be deprived of the pleasure of meet- 
ing the members of the Convention, whose acquaintance and friendship I 
thoroughly appreciate. Wishing you a pleasant time, I am. 

Very truly yours, 

Chas. S. Hartman. 



TowNSEND, Mont., November 4, 1890. 
H. Knippenberg, Secretary : 

Dear Sir— Invitation to annual reunion of Society of Framers of the 
Constitution is at hand, and I regret that my attendance at District Court, 
Meagher county, will prevent acceptance. 

Cordially yours, 

J. E. Kanouse. 



Fort Benton, Mont., November 6, 1890. 
Mr. L. H. Hershfield and Others, Banquet Committee, Helena, Mont.: 

Gentlemen — I am in receipt of your invitation to attend the annual 
banquet of the Framers of the Constitution of Montana, to be held in 
Helena on Ihe 8th inst, and am happy to say that I will be present. 

Yours truly, 

C. E. Conrad. 



MINUTES 



First Reunion 



Saturday, November 8, 1890. 



At 12 o'clock noon, Saturday, November 8, 1890, the Society 
of the Framers of the Constitution of the State of Montana met 
in the Court-house, at Helena, Montana, in the same room in 
which the Convention held its sessions for forty-five days, viz., 
from July 4, 1889, to August 17, 1889. 

Wm. A. Clark, President, called the Society to order promptly 
at the hour named. 

The Chaplain not being present, prayer was omitted. 



138 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



ADDRESS OF WELCOME. 



BY B. PI^ATT CARPENTER. 



Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Society of the Framers of the 
Constitution of Montana — In my fevf remarks, I shall speak partly as a col- 
league, but more particularly as an humble resident of the city where your 
important work of last year was performed. Many circumstances unite to 
make this occasion memorable. This is not only your first reunion after you 
had submitted to the people a system of government so nearly perfect as to 
receive their almost unanimous approval, but it is also the first anniversary 
of the birth of the State. You meet in this temple of justice, where, months 
ago you moulded our magna charta, and your presiding officer is the same 
honored President who, with an impartial and unerring gavel, then guided 
your deliberations to a fortunate conclusion. If Faneuil Hall was the cra- 
dle of American liberty, this now historic room may be called the cradle of our 
Statehood. Here was framed that distinguishing emblem of popular rule — 
a written Constitution. For thirty centuries the power of nations has gen- 
erally been wielded, either absolutely or with slender restrictions, by a few 
persons, and those often usurpers, and the people have generally believed 
that progress and reform are the offspring of revolution. Even now the ^on 
of proud Albion boasts of a Constitution which is not only intangible, but 
which has never been accurately defined. That Constitution appears to be 
an oligarchic system perpetuated through the toleration of the masses 
who have not asserted their strength. Our people, however, are blessed with 
self-government, and with a Constitution which is written in the plainest 
characters, and is a continuing guaranty of equal rights and impartial jus- 
tice. The framers of that instrument will experience no little pleasure as 
they recall convention association!^, which have ripened into friendships 
scarcely less tender than family ties, yet firm and enduring as our moun- 
tains of rock. To them it will be a source of pardonable pride that their 
names are subscribed to our organic law — a law unalterable by legislatures, 
and alterable only after calm deliberation by the people. To the citizens of 
Helena it will also be a source of pride that the convention, which this re- 
union commemorates, was held within her gates, and here, as doubtless 
throughout the State, the celebration of Montana's natal day will become 
an established institution. 

Gentlemen, a delightful duty now devolves upon me. On behalf of all 
the inhabitants of the place, I most heartily welcome you to this city, to its 
homes, its shrines and its firesides, and assure you that here you will always 
be welcome. 

President Clark responded briefly to the welcome, but his 
words were not recorded, so that they can not now be given here. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 



139' 



The Society at this point of the meeting thought it best to 
take a recess, and meet again at 3 o'clock, instead of 4 o'clock, as 
shown on the regular printed program. 



Saturday, Nov. 8, 1890, 3 o'clock p. m. 

The President called the Society to order promptly at the hour 
appointed. 

The Secretary called the roll and the following members were 
present : 



William A. Clark, 
Walter M. Bickford, 
William Mason Bullard, 
Alex. F. Burns, 
David C. Browne, 
B. Platt Carpenter, 
William A. Chessman, 
Charles E. Conrad, 
AiiTHUR J. Craven, 

D. M. DURFEE, 

George O. Eaton, 
Paris Gibson, 
o. f. goddard, 
R. E. Hammond, 
Luke D. Hatch, 
Richard O. Hickman, 
Thomas Joyes, 
W. J. Kennedy, 
Hiram Knowles, 
Martin Maginnis, 
Samuel Mitchell, 
G. J. Reek, 
Leopold F. Schmidt, 
Joseph K. Toole, 
H. R. Whitehill, 



E. D. Aiken, 
Peter Breen, 
Walter A. Burleigh, 
Andrew J. Burns, 
Edward Cardwell, 
Milton Cauby, 
Timothy E. Collins, 
Thomas F. Courtney,. 
W. W. Dixon, 
William Dyer, 
William T. Field, 
Warren C. Gillette, 
FiRLDiNG L. Graves, 
Henri J. Haskell, 
Lewis H. Hershfield,. 
Joseph Hog an, 
Allen R. Joy, 
H. Knippenberg, 
Conrad Kohrs, 
J. E. Marion, 
William Mayger, 
William Muth, 
J. E. Rickards, 
George W. Stapleto.v,. 
Chas. M. Webster. 



140 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 

Honorary members present (employes) : 
William H. Todd, Chief Clerk. 
Christoper p. Connolly, Stenographer. 
Samuel Alexander, Sergeant-at-Arms. 
Wm. L. Green, Assistant Sergeaut-at-Arms. 
John Kay; Clerk. 
Cornelius Hedges, Jr., Page. 
Morris Langhorn, Page. 
Eugene Dickerson, Page. 

The Secretary then read an account of the history of the 
formation of the Society. 

Which was accepted as correct. 

W. A. Burleigh moved that the Secretary write, arrange and 
have printed, in pamphlet form, the complete history of this 
Society, and that each member shall be entitled to one or more 
copies. 

Unanimously carried 

The Treasurer reported that he had received during the year 
no money, and so had not paid out any. 
Report accepted. 

W. W. Dixon reported that he had looked into the matter of 
incorporation, but could find no law or provision in the statutes 
for an organization of this kind. It is possible that this Society 
may be able to have the Legislature pass a special act in our case. 

Report accepted ; committee discharged. 

M. Maginnis moved that this Society refund in full all ex- 
penses to our Secretary which he has had in the formation of this 
Society, that we now so greatly enjoy. 

Unanimously carried. 

Geo. O. Eaton desired to know if the railroads had made any 
reduction in fares for this occasion. 

The Secretary said that he had written to all the roads, but re- 
ceived no favorable reply. 

Wm. Muth said possibly the local committee had not com- 
menced early enough in this matter, but felt that next year we 
would receive recognition by the roads. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 141 

W. A. Chessman moved that we elect for the ensuing year 
the old officers and the same Executive Committee, viz.: 

W. A. Claek, President. M. Maginnis, Vice-President. 

H. Knippenbeeg, Secretary. L. H. Hershfield, Treasurer. 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 

Wm. a. Clark, Chairman, 
H. Knippenberg, Cuas. S. Marshall, 

Martin Maginnis, Paris Gibson, 

Geo. W. Stapleton, J. E. Rickards, 

Alfred Myers. 
Unanimously carried. 

The Hotel " Helena" kindly offered the Society the free use of 
Room 25 for the private or committee meetings, for which the 
Society thanked the manager. 

W. M. Bullard moved that the Executive Committee prepare 
a Constitution and By-Laws and present the same to the Society 
at our next reunion for its adoption. 

Carried. 

J. K. Toole moved that all sub-committees be appointed by 
the Executive Committee and act under its authority. 
Carried. 

H. Knippenberg moved that our second reunion be celebrated 
Saturday, November 7, 1891 (the 8th being Sunday), and that we 
meet in this same house and same room in the good city of Helena. 

Unanimously carried. 

It was now 4 o'clock. 



142 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 

The Constitutional Convention and 
Our Society. 



ADDRESS BY WM. A. CLARK. 



The most important event in the history of Montana was the passage 
by Congress, in February, 1889, of the enabling act providing for her admis- 
sion into the sisterhood of States. 

To carry out its provisions, an election was held by the people of the 
Territory of members of a convention to frame a constitution. To partici- 
pate in such a noble work was a source of pride and gratification deeply 
appreciated by all who enjoyed the honor and distinction of election. This 
sentiment naturally resulted, at the termination of th^ir labors, in a desire 
to perpetuate the social relations and friendships which had been formed, 
and has happily culminated in the organization of this Society, through and 
by which those fraternal bonds will be firmly cemented. By such means 
the social and noblest instincts of men are developed and vivified, bringing 
those of congenial tastes and aspirations into closer companionship, thereby 
ennobling them and promoting their intellectual development. 

In memory's pages I have preserved a most interesting record of the 
experiences of those eventful days and many tender recollections of courteous 
attentions and generous acts. Amongst the members there was a keen ap- 
preciation of the grave duty and responsibility that devolved upon them, 
and they began their work with zeal and continued it to the end with un- 
tiring devotion. The committees labored incessantly, and the sessions 
throughout the entire period of forty-five days were remarkable for full and 
prompt attendance. The discussions were full and interesting, and, while 
animated, and, in some instances, conducted with considerable warmth and 
spirit, the strictest courtesy and highest decorum were constantly observed. 
Political questions occasionally crept in and caused a slight ripple momen- 
tarily in the discussions, but were uniformly subordinated to higher motives. 
There was no exhibition of partisan feeling. A quiet and cheerful acqui- 
escence in the will of the majority was universally manifested, and at the 
conclusion of their labors the members seemed to carry away the most 
pleasing memories. 

There was found to exist an exceedingly fortunate combination of di- 
versified talent and ability in the members of the Convention, almost every 
industry, occupation and profession being represented. Mining, agriculture, 
labor, stock husbandry, finance, commerce, transportation and education, all 
had able advocates for their respective interests, and there was a general 
co-operation for the promotion of the public good and the successful com- 
pletion of the great work before them. The Constitution was cordially 
approved by the people. The executive and judiciary branches of the State 
government have been put into operation with, I believe, the most success- 
-fiil and satisfactory results. Upon these subjects we are to be favored with 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 14 i 

an expression by His Excellency the Chief Executive upon the one, and upon 
the othfir by the honorable chairman of the Judiciary Committee, both of 
whom are eminently qualified by observation and experience to give an in- 
telligent opinion and valuable information as to the operations of the con- 
«titutional provisions relating to these departments. 

By reason of unfortunate complications, there has been little exercise 
of the legislative functions under the Constitution. The provisions relating 
to education, revenue and the rights of suffrage have been warmly com- 
mended, and, generally, it may be said that the Constitution, as a whole, has 
received almost universal approval in Montana, and has elicited favorable 
<"omment from critics politicians and statesmen wherever it has been the 
subject of discussion. A distinguished constitutional lawyer. Senator Mor- 
gan, from Alabama, in a discussion in the United States Senate, made the 
lollowing very complimentary allusion to this instrument. He said : " I 
have looked through the Constitution of Montana with great care, and 1 
must say that I have concluded my investigation of that body of organic 
law with admiration as one of the most carefully prepared, one of the most 
conservative, one of the most excellent constitutions of all the States of the 
American Union that 1 have ever read." 

It may not, in this connection, be deemed inappropriate to refer to 
another important historic event in Montana's career — the organization, in 
pursuance of legislative enactment, of a constitutional convention in 1884, 
and the framing of a constitution which was almost unanimously ratified 
by the people. Although unavailing on account of failure to secure admis- 
sion of the Territory at that time, yet many of the fundamental provisions 
then adopted have been incorporated in the present Constitution, and the 
work of that body, some of whose members were engaged in the later work 
and members of our Society, was a valuable auxiliary and deserves honor- 
able recognition. The rapid progress and forward strides of our young 
State may soon demand a revison and enlargement of the Constitution. 
The provisions covering this contingency are wise and liberal. As the gen- 
erations come and go, developing rapidly successive changes and conditions, 
requiring new methods and additional powers and restraints, we may ex- 
pect that the genius and wisdom of our successors will eliminate, supple- 
ment and amend, but the prominent features of our present Constitution 
will surely survive, because they comprise the recognized, immutable and 
eternal principles which are essential to good government, the administra- 
tion of justice and the protection and perpetuation of the rights of man. 

It is a work of which you may be justly proud; a legacy that will be 
handed down to successive generations, giving encouragement to industry, 
inspiration to genius, and support to the social and intellectual advance- 
ment of our people. As the ages come and this period of Montana's history 
shall be revolving toward the shadowy past, the contemplative student, re- 
viewing the progress of our laws and government, may revert with, perhaps, 
something of ancestral pride to the framers of the Constitution of Montana, 
recognizing their contribution to the dignity and prosperity of the State, 
and generously acknowledge that " thev builded better than they knew." 



144 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



'^The Executive." 



ADDRESS BY JOSEPH K. TOOLE. 



Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Society — I must express my ad- 
miration for the energy, zeal, good fellowship and patriotism of our worthy 
Secretai'y, Mr. Knippenberg, in carrying to a successful issue the organiza- 
tion of the Society of the Framers of the Constitution of the State of Mon- 
tana. It was he who originated, prom"Dted and executed the idea of this 
splendid gathering. If we applaud his efforts to-day, in the years to come 
we shall venerate them. 

I regret that a combination of circumstances has prevented me from re- 
sponding appropriately to the subject of " The Executive " assigned to me 
by the committee. 

If I were to attempt it I could only speak of it in the abstract. 

By reason of a failure of all legislation last winter, not a bill, joint reso- 
lution or memorial ever reached the Executive. No approvals or disap- 
provals are therefore of record. Some of the constitutional provisions are 
self-executing, but many require legislation to put them in operation and 
give efiFect to the intention of the Constitution. They are too numerous to 
mention. Comparatively little difficulty, however, has been experienced in 
carrying on the executive department of the State Government. 

The Penitentiary and Insane Asylum have been the subjects of greatest 
expense, but the management and care of these have been entrusted to con- 
tractors at the best rates possible, who were willing to trust to the future 
ability of the State to pay. 

Our outstanding obligations amount to about $170,000.00, which we can 
not pay without express authority of law, under the Constitution. 

We have in cash about money enough to pay this indebtedness. Further 
than this I can not hoi3e to interest you. 

My term of office has been one of great anxiety and solicitude, but I can 
not boast much of official action. 

My principal occupation, it seems to me, has been the appointment of 
Notaries Public. The Constitution has not limited the number of appoint- 
ments, nor have I. They are numerous ; more so than the militia, and if 
occasion should require the calling out of the latter, I am not sure but what 
it would be more expedient to call out the Notaries Public. Certainly so, 
unless the Legislature soon does something for the militia. 

It will doubtless be of historical interest to the Society to put it into 
possession of the following official information in my possession. I will 
read : 

Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C, November 8, 1889. 

To Hon. Jos. K. Toole, Governor of the State of Montana, Helena, Mont.: 

The President signed and issued the proclamation declaring Montana 
a State in the Union at 10 o'clock and 40 minutes, this morning. 

James G. Blaine, 

Secretary of State. 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OP MONTANA. 145 

Department of State, Washington, D. C, November 11, 1889. 
To His Excellency , the Governor of Montana, Helena, Mont. : 

Sir — I have the honor to transmit herewith a dvily authenticated copy 
of the President's Proclamation of November 8, 1889, admitting the State of 
Montana into the Union. I have the honor to be, sir. 

Your obedient servant, 

James G. Blaine, 

Secretary of State. 

A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 

Whereas, The Congress of the United States did, by an act approved 
on the twenty-second day of February, one thousand eight hundred and 
eighty-nine, provide that the inhabitants of the Territory of Montana might, 
upon the conditions prescribed in said act, become the State of Montana ; 
and. 

Whereas, It was provided by said act that delegates elected as therein 
provided, to a Constitutional Convention in the Territory of Montana, should 
meet at the seat of government of said Territory and that, after they had 
met and organized they should declare on behalf of the people of Montana 
that they adopt the Constitution of the United States; whereupon the said 
convention should be authorized to form a State government for the pro- 
posed State of Montana ; and. 

Whereas, It was provided by said act that the Constitution so adopted 
should be republican in form and make no distinction in civil or political 
rights on account of race or color, except as to Indians not taxed, and not 
be repugnant to the Constitution of the United States and the principles of 
the Declaration of Independence ; and that the Convention should by an 
ordinance irrevocable without the consent of the United States, and the peo- 
ple of said State, make certain provisions prescribed in said act ; and. 

Whereas, It was provided by said act that the Constitution thus formed 
for the people of Montana should, by an ordinance of the Constitution 
forming the same, be submitted to the people of Montana at an election, 
to be held therein on the first Tuesday in October, eighteen hundred and 
eighty-nine, for ratification or rejection by the qualified voters of said pro 
posed State ; and that the returns of said election should be made to the 
Secretary of the said Territory who, with the Governor and the Chief Jus- 
tice thereof, or any two of them, should canvass the same ; and if a majority 
of the legal votes cast should be for the Constitution, the Governor should 
certify the result to the President of the United States, together with a 
statement of the votes cast thereon, and upon separate articles or proi^osi- 
tions and a copy of said Constitution, articles, propositions and ordinances ; 
and. 

Whereas, It has been certified to me by the Governor of said Territory 
that, within the time prescribed by said act of Congress, a Constitution for 
the proposed State of Montana has been adopted, and that the same, to- 
gether with two ordinances connected therewith, has been ratified by a ma- 



146 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



jority of the qualified voters of said proposed State in accordance with the 
conditions prescribed in said act; and, 

Whereas, A duly authenticated copy of said Constitution and ordi- 
nances, as required by said act, has been received by me. 

Now, therefore, I, Benjamin Harrison, President of the United States 
of America, do, in accordance with the provisions of the act of Congress 
aforesaid, declare and proclaim the fact that the conditions imposed by Con- 
gress on the State of Montana to entitle that State to admission to the 
Union have been ratified and accepted, and that the admission of the said 
State into the Union is now complete. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal 
of the United States to be affixed. 

Done at the city of Washington this eighth day of Novem- 
r- -] ber, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred 

and eighty-nine, and of the Independence of the United 
States of America, the one hundred and fourteenth. 

Ben.iamin Harrison. 
By the President. 
James Gr. Blaine, 

Secretary of State. 

For the benefit of all concerned, I will say that I have filed the tele- 
gram with the State Historical Society, and the official letter with the Sec- 
retary of State. 

And now, gentlemen, I want to say that I am glad this Society has 
been formed and that I am identified with it. 

It ought to come up to our fullest expectations. If it does not, it will 
if we take the wise hints of Brother Knippenberg, at least serve to encour- 
age a departure from the prevalent partisan methods of heaping unde- 
served and senseless abuse upon the heads of our statesmen while living 
and apotheosizing them when dead. 



THE JUDICIARY. 



ADDRESS BY W. W. DIXON. 



Mr. President and Fellow Members of the Society of the Framers of the Constitution 

of the State of Montana: 

During the last few weeks unusual demands have been made upon my 
time. This fact must serve as my excuse if what I have to say upon the 
subject assigned me — "The Judiciary" — shall not be as full or as accurate 
as 1 might desire in justice to this Society and to myself. 

The Judiciary Committee in the Constitutional Convention \vas com- 
posed of fifteen members. They were all practicing lawyers, and were 
from all the diflferent sections of the new State. They were a truly repre- 



KRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 147 



sentative body of the bar, and also, as the action of the Convention in finally 
adopting their report proved, of the people of the State. I had the honor 
to be chairman of the committee and I wish here to record my testimony 
to the patience, industry and ability with which every member performed 
his duty. Full but friendly discussion upon all important matters was had. 
The differences of opinion were mainly upon minor points, and uniform 
courtesy and consideration prevailed in the committee throughout its 
sessions. 

The most important matter for consideration was the organization and 
jurisdiction of the courts. The system agreed upon was substantially that 
of California, and there was not much difference of opinion in the committee 
as to this. The distinguishing features of this system were the vesting of 
all judicial power in three courts only, aside from municipal courts — the 
Supreme and District Courts, and the courts of Justices of the Peace — and 
uniting in the District Courts all civil, criminal and probate jurisdiction, 
instead of having a separate tribunal for criminal and probate matters. 

The point upon which the members of the committee were most at 
variance was whether each county should be made a district by itself, with 
its own judge, or whether some of the less populous counties should be 
joined in one district with a judge in common. 

There was no doubt that the benefits of the system would be best se- 
cured by a ludge for each county; but, on the other hand, the limited 
amount of business and the small population in several of the counties 
seemed not to require a separate judge in each, and to impose too heavy an 
expense upon the taxpayers. A compromise measure was agreed upon and 
reported by the committee, by which four of the most important counties 
in the State were made separate districts and given separate judges, and 
the others were arranged in districts comprising three counties each, with 
one judge for each district. The Legislative Assembly was given power to 
increase or decrease the number of judges in any district, and to divide the 
State, or any part of it, into new districts. 

The Convention adopted the report of the Judiciary Committee, with 
only a few material changes. The more important of these were the ones 
relating to judicial salaries and to the counties comprised in those districts 
which included more than one county. These matters the committee itself 
differed about and purposely left them open to be debated and settled in 
the Convention. 

The Convention placed the salaries somewhat lower than the committee 
recommended. In this, I think, it made a mistake; but it can be remedied 
by the Legislative Assembly : Provided, That the salary of any judge is not 
increased or diminished during the term for which he is elected. I was 
myself of the opinion, and so were many other members of the committee, 
that the salaries were so low for District Judges that it would be found 
difficult to secure competent men to accept these positions. I am, however, 
glad to say that this has not so far been the case. From my own observa- 
tion, and from general report, I am satisfied that we have as able, industrious 
and capable District Judges as can be found anywhere, and I findj in this re- 



148 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 

spect, general satisfaction among the lawyers and the people. Still I am of 
the oi^inion that the District Judges salaries are too small, especially for 
those whose whole time is laboriously and almost constantly employed. 

The arrangement of the counties in districts, as made by the Conven- 
tion, was not altogether satisfactory to the members from diflerent sections; 
but, upon the whole, it was the best that could be made at that time. 

An experience of nearly one year has demonstrated, 1 think, that our 
judicial system is a good one. In the particulars wherein it may be found 
defective, it can be remedied by legislative action, without the necessity of 
constitutional amendment. The best test of the system has been in Deer 
Lodge and Missoula counties. In these counties the judges have cleared 
off the old business of the former courts to which they fell heir, and can 
now give prompt attention to new cases. Criminals ai*e speedily tried, and 
litigants in civil cases can obtain justice without unreasonable delay. 

In the counties of Lewis and Clarke, and Silver Bow, the old courts were 
so much behind in the trial of cases when the present judges took their 
seats, and business has since so increased, that the new courts have been 
unable to afford to litigants in civil cases the prompt trials which they should 
have. 

The judges have worked very industriously, but can make little 
progress. In each of these counties an additional judge is needed, at least 
for one or two years to come, and the Legislative Assembly should so pro- 
vide. 

In those districts where several counties are united, the system seems 
generally to work satisfactorily. Some of these counties, however, have so 
increased in population and business that they desire, and are entitled, to be 
made separate districts, and this, I think, should be done as speedily as may 
be. It is to be hoped that in a few years each county in the State will be a 
district with its own judge. When this can be done, all the benefits of the 
judicial system established by the Convention will be realized. 

One trouble and inconvenience I have heard mentioned in the counties 
joined with others in one district, is the delay in procuring orders in pro- 
bate matters when the judge is absent from the county where the order is 
desired. This, I think, might be remedied to a considerable extent by an 
amendment to the probate practice act authorizing the clerk of the court 
to make, in the absence of the judge, such orders as are usually made ex 
parte and of course. 

The constitutional provision for at least four terms of the District Court 
each year in counties not districts by themselves, seems to afford to these 
counties as much time for the trial of cases as is required at present. So 
far as I am informed, the courts keep well up with the business in these 
counties. The same remark is true as applied to the Supreme Court of the 
State. 

The constitutional provision by which a civil action in the District 
Court may be tried by a judge f.rn tempore, who must be a member of the bar 
and agreed upon in writing by the j^arties, is a good one. I have seen it put 
into practice in a few cases, and it has resulted in much saving to the par- 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 149 



ties of expense and time, and has been found very convenient, especially 
where the regular judge was disqualified to try the case by reason of having 
been counsel or being interested. The provision that any judge of a Dis- 
trict Court may hold court for any other District Judge is also a convenient 
one. It seems to me, however, that the power of a judge in a county out- 
side of his own district has been too narrowly confined by the recent de- 
cision of our .Supreme Court. 

There are one or two other provisions in our Constitution relating to 
judicial proceedings, and to the administration of justice, which may prop- 
erly be noticed here. 

Section 8, of Article III, provides for the prosecution of criminal of- 
fenses in the District Court by information, and also by indictment of a 
grand jury, when the court considers it necessary to summon one, and a 
grand jury is to consist of seven persons, out of whom five must concur to 
find an indictment 

Owing to the unfortunate political complications of last winter, which 
deprived us of much needed legislation to make constitutional provisions 
effective, we have no law defining or providing for informations The Su- 
preme Court has therefore held, and no doubt correctly, that criminal of- 
fenses must still be prosecuted by indictment. We have not, therefore, 
enjoyed the benefits of the provision which dispenses in most cases with a 
grand jury, but we have reduced the number composing it to seven, ^his has 
reduced the expense to the counties, and, I think, has been found satisfactory 
to the people. The constitutional provision that in cases of misdemeanor, 
and in all civil actions, two-thirds in number of the jury may render a ver- 
dict, has, so far as I have seen or been informed, been found to be very sat- 
isfactory in its practical operation, and has greatly facilitated the decision 
of cases and prevented expensive and unnecessary new trials. 

It maybe seen, 1 think, from this crude review of our judiciary system 
that the framers of the Constitution builded it wisely. It needs legislation 
now to give some of its provisions full effect. It will need legislation here 
after to adapt it to our increased growth and prosperity. But the plan of 
the structure is a good one, and its foundations are strong Such changes 
in it as different conditions may require, or future experience may suggest, 
can be made without impairing its solidity or destroying its symmetry. 

Let us hope that it may endure long beyond our day and generation, 
and never cease to be the medium by which even-handed justice is dealt out 
to all our people. 



So many kind and complimentary words were spoken for the 
Secretary, and for the work he had done in bringing about the or- 
ganization of the Society, that this gentleman thanked the mem- 



bers in the following words 



150 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 



Address. 



BY H. KNIPPENBERG. 



Gentlemen — Will you not let me say, my brethren and friends. 

I wish to thank you, one and all, for the kind words that you have ut" 
tered here. I wish to thank you for the uniform and cordial cooperation 
which you have so generously extended to me the past year in my work of 
organization. 

I do not wish to act under any false modesty. I realize the fact that, in 
a large degree, I have been the creative power in this work of a social organ- 
ization. It has cost me time, labor, and some money ; but this time, labor 
and money combined has been a willing sacrifice of love ; love for the pres- 
ent, love for the future. Ours has been indeed an exalted privilege. Few 
men in this world ever enjoy one as great. Called and chosen by the great- 
est power in the State, the people, to hew out of the quarry a stone — a 
foundation stone; a corner stone — upon which the people themselves might 
erect a Temple— a Temple of Liberty, Truth, .Justice and Mercy. Wisely 
and well the work was done. For when the people saw it they accepted it 
with gl»d acclaim, saying, "Grace, grace unto it." 

But great as was our privilege, so great is the work yet to be done. 
When the children of Israel took possession of the promised land, and sup- 
posed they had it all, there came to them this message : " There remains 
yet much land to be possessed." And so this same message comes to us 
Montanians; there remains great possibilities yet for us to accomplish. 

Where is the prophet that will dare tell us of the future greatness of 
this temple; of its culture; of its Christian influence ; of its wealth ; of its 
moral power; of its political power. I fear were such a prophet found, and 
could we return even one hundred years from now we would have to de- 
clare, as did the Queen of Sheba of old, "The half was not told me." 

But bear this in mind, true greatness comes not from without, but from 
within. Our greatness will be only what our homes are. Happy, secure 
and great will our future be, if the future men and women shall come from 
homes trained and reared at the family altar of purity, and regenerated by 
the spirit of loyalty and patriotism. 

Gentlemen, let us not deceive ourselves. Theorize and speculate as 
you will, nevertheless the history of the ages passed, and the experience of 
all the nations of the centuries, bear witness to the eternal truth : " Eight- 
eousness exalteth a natioji, but sin is a reproach to any people," found to be 
true in the past, we shall find it true in the future. Truth is never false. Do 
not take the right from me in saying let our lives and our examples be such 
jn this our beloved State, in this our beloved country, that our loyalty to 
the flag, our love for our country, our devotion to our State shall be akin to 
that of the " sweet singers " of old, " If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my 



t^RAMERS OP THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 151 

right hand forget her cunning. If I remember not thee, let my tongue cleave 
to the roof of my mouth. If I prefer not thee, Jerusalem, above my chief 

joy" 

One by one we shall pass away. Our work shall then have been done, 
but our influence will remain, for good or for ill. My prayer is now that for 
each of us there may be erected and remain a monument not of crumbling 
stone or granite, but a monument erected in the hearts of a loving people 
bearing this inscription : Here lies a man — a man while living that was true 
to God, true to his home, true to his country, true to humanity. 

My friends, again I thank you. 



The President aunounced that we had no further business to 
transact, and that the Society would meet again this evening at 9 
o'clock, at the " Hotel Helena," in the banquet hall. 

Wm. Muth, Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements, 
asked that the members meet at 8.30 o'clock in the parlors of the 
" Hotel Helena." 

Adjourned. 



152 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF tHE 



Banquet, Hotel "Helena. 



By 8.30 o'clock, p. m., nearly all the members of the Society 
had arrived, and had been received by the reception committee. 

One-half hour was enjoyed in general social conversation. 

At 9 o'clock the President and Secretary led the way to the 
banquet hall and all the members followed. 

The entertainment was unquestionably the finest and most 
elaborately arranged banquet ever given in Helena. It is a matter 
of congratulation that the Hotel Helena has made it possible to 
thus satisfactorily cater to the wants of the citizens of Helena and 
their friends in a manner that would in all respects compare favor- 
ably with the large eastern cities. The tables were arranged in the 
form of an open square. The dining-room was handsomely deco- 
rated with paintings, potted plants, smilax and the national colors. 
The tables were decorated with numerous handsomely ornamented 
pieces from the hands of the chef and head pastry cook. The two 
principal ones were reproductions of ornamental pieces seen by the 
head pastry cook during a recent visit to Germany, on the occasion 
of a complimentary banquet tendered the celebrated diplomat 
Chancellor Caprivi. The first piece represented a fort with port 
holes, from which miniature cannon protruded. Soldiers were on 
guard on the ramparts with officers, and, in fact, every prepara- 
tion for defense was shown. This piece had three turrets or towers, 
and from the highest was displayed the Star Spangle Banner. 
From the two lower towers were streamers, each bearing the 
legend, " Our Country." Another table ornament which at- 
tracted all eyes was a lofty pagoda of graceful and symmetrical 



FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE OF MONTANA. 153 

proportions, of a Moorish style, with many handsome awnings. 
On the base of the structure were the words, " Framers of the Con- 
stitution of Montana." 

The tables were profusely and tastefully decorated with cut 
flowers and evergreens. At each plate rested a boutonnier. As 
each member entered the room he was handed a menu card of 
chaste style, bearing an illuminated monogram composed of the let- 
ters S. F. C. M. 

Prof. Romandy and his orchestra filled the large room with 
sweet melody while the courses were being served. 

The arrangements for the banquet were designed and perfected 
by Mr. Henry N. Willey, the vice-president and general manager 
of The Helena Hotel Company, assisted by his more than usual 
efficient chef, Chas. Mulchay, the head pastry cook, Frederick 
Kaul, and Samuel Henry, head waiter. 



THE MENU. 



Blue points. 

Green turtle soup. 

Broiled white fish. Maitre d'hotel. 

Celery. Swiss potatoes. Sliced tomatoes. 

Young turkey with cranberry jelly. 

Baked sweet potatoes. 

Sweetbreads, larded. Mushroom sauce. 

French peas. 

Rocky Mountain punch. 

Broiled quail. 

Asparagus a la creme. 

Chicken salad. Dressed lettuce. 

Raspberry Charlotte Russe. 

Cake. Tutti frutti. 

Fruit. Roquefort. Coffee. 



154 HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE 

There was also a quartette of four colored male singers that 
rendered a number of most charming negro melodies. These, 
with the waiters, were all handsomely remembered in liberal gifts 
from the happy guests. 

The entire expense of this reunion was paid by the members 
of the Society, this being the expressed wish of all the members. 

A vote of thanks was offered and passed for the " Hotel 
Helena " and its able manager, Mr. Henry N. Willey. 

It was 12 o'clock midnight when the President arose and of- 
fered the toast — 

" The Father of the Society of the Framers of the Constitution 
of the State of Montana." 

There was a general call for the Secretary, who sat at the Presi- 
dent's right hand. 

Mr. Knippenberg arose and responded. 

After the first toast, nearly every member was called upon, and 
some of the happiest speeches were made. Among these were 
Messrs. Clark, Maginnis, Carpenter, Toole (Governor), Collins, 
Eaton, Gibson, Rickards, Dixon, Knowles, Marion, Bickford, 
Joy and others. 

At 2 o'clock A. M., the 9th, the Society sang "America," and 
then the Secretary proposed three cheers for Montana, which were 
given. 

The President then announced that our first reunion was now 
adjourned. 

" It has been one of the happiest occasions 

OF MY WHOLE LIFE," fell from nearly every lip as we 
all said, 

"Good Night." 



^/^^ Y^.-Uj-w 



Sub 1boc Siono UMnccci. 

NOVEMBER 8, 1889, 10:40 A. M. 




HISTO^V 



• • • 



SOCIETY 




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State of Montana. 

1890. 



riVLY 4, ISS9. 



AUGLST 17, 1S89. 



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NTEOSM , 



,"AND THAT GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE. BY THE PEOPLE. 
FOR THE PEOPLE. SHALL NOT PERISH FROM THE EARTH." 



PRESS OF 

BAKER-RANDOLPH 

LITHOGRAPH AND ENGRAVING CO. 

Indianapolis, Indiana. 



l,BAg'05 



